Controversial Kent State grad holds open carry ‘walk’ on campus

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - Kent State graduate Kaitlin Bennett went viral after she posted a graduation photo of herself carrying an AR-10 rifle on campus.

Bennett held a open carry “walk” around the Kent campus on Saturday afternoon.

Cleveland 19 streamed the “walk.” The videos below may contain foul language.

Kent State has held a press briefing to discuss the events that occurred on campus. Speakers for the briefing include Kent State President Beverly J. Warren.

The KSU grad expected around 200 people to walk with her around campus in support of second amendment rights including campus carry.

“This was supposed to be a rally on the K for gun owners and students to come together and they stepped on our toes, every step of the way they charged us $14,000 to keep away. They know who I am. They know I don’t tolerate that. I stand up for myself and I stand up for the ideas that I believe in," said Bennett.

Hundreds of people for and against the “walk” were on campus on Saturday.

Kent State officials confirm four protesters were arrested by Kent State Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol for disorderly conduct. One of the four arrested was also charged with assaulting a police officer. None of those arrested are current KSU students.

The Kent State officials also say no serious injuries were reported, but one of the protesters arrested looks to have an apparent abrasion on his forehead.

Securing the “walk” alongside Kent State Police include Kent City Police, Portage County Sheriff’s Department, Metro Swat, as well as police from University of Akron, Cleveland State University, Ohio University, and University of Cincinnati.

Kent State is sticking to the no firearms policy, but only if you are a student, faculty, or staff member of the University.

KSU Vice President of Student Affairs Shay Little says,

In the press briefing, KSU President Warren discussed how much the event cost:

Kent State University did not sponsor this event or endorse any of the groups that were on campus attending it.

Campus activities have since resumed.

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