Police: Pepper spray and Taser used in protest not directed at anyone

Last updated 8:50 p.m." Originally published 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY April 14 — Police officers used pepper spray and a Taser to disperse a crowd of protestors who disbanded former congressman Tom Tancredo's speech in Bingham Hall.

Eight or nine police officers were monitoring a group of protestors who marched from the Pit to the speech Department of Public Safety spokesman Randy Young said. After the room was at capacity police blocked access to the door.

A group of protestors tried to force their way through the officers into the room Young said. When they made physical contact with officers the officers used pepper spray to try to disperse the crowd. Officers then discharged a Taser creating an arc of sparks not directed at anyone Young said.

Meanwhile in the room protestors disrupted the speech by attempting to keep Tancredo from speaking by putting a banner in his face. A window was later broken.

Tancredo's group decided to cancel the speech.

No arrests have been made Young said and he was not aware of anyone being taken to the hospital.

An investigation will be conducted into possible criminal activity by the protestors and the force used by officers will be reviewed.