White nationalist Richard Spencer spoke in a crowded auditorium at Auburn University on Tuesday, after a federal judge blocked the school from banning his appearance.
While the event was marked by tension and confrontation between Spencer’s supporters and critics, one woman may have stolen the show with her blunt question.
“How did it feel when you got punched in the face at the inauguration?” the woman asked to jeers – but also significant applause – from the auditorium.
The question was in reference to the infamous moment Spencer was being interviewed in Washington, D.C. on the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration when he was punched in the face by a protester.
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The questioner, who identified herself as a “black woman at a predominately white institution” also asked Spencer to explain how he feels white people are more oppressed than black people.
A judge had earlier cleared the way for Spencer’s speech after hearing arguments in a lawsuit filed by a Georgia man who rented the room where he spoke. The suit claimed the university violated free-speech rights by trying to stop Spencer’s appearance.
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Auburn officials cited public safety concerns in trying to stop Spencer from appearing in the student union building.
Only a few chairs were empty in the more than 400-seat room as Spencer and other speakers railed against ethnicity and racial diversity, liberals, the media and more. They say they want to promote white pride.
Supporters and opponents engaged in shouting marches beforehand, and photos showed a man with a bloody face after a physical altercation outside.
Officers led at least one person away, but details weren’t immediately available.
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