Ex-NFL Punter Chris Kluwe Arrested During Huntington Beach City Council Protest

Former NFL punter and social activist Chris Kluwe was arrested on Tuesday during a Huntington Beach City Council meeting in California. Kluwe’s arrest followed his protest against a proposed plaque for the city’s public library, which critics argue serves as political propaganda.

Controversial ‘MAGA’ Plaque Proposal

The Huntington Beach Central Library is 50 years old hence, this plaque was created to commemorate that occasion. On it are the initials “MAGA,” for “Magical,” “Alluring,” “Galvanizing,” and “Adventurous.” “Our country has rebuilt to be better than the golden age of Making America Great Again!” is written on the plaque below these words.

A lot of people, including Chris Kluwe, saw the sign as a political statement that supported the phrase “Make America Great Again” used by former President Donald Trump. Some people say that this kind of show brings political ideas into a public place that is supposed to bring people together and help them learn.

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Chris Kluwe’s Protest and Arrest

Former #NFL punter #ChrisKluwe was arrested and carried out of a city council meeting following an explosive anti-MAGA rant!

Full story HERE: https://t.co/k4KOqTGZ2l

📽️: Huntington Beach City Council pic.twitter.com/x5R47Pk16s

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) February 20, 2025

At the city council meeting, Kluwe spoke to the seven Republican council members and told them he was worried about what the “MAGA” term meant. Kluwe also said that the movement was “deeply corrupt, clearly anti-democracy, and most importantly, MAGA is a Nazi movement.” Following his remarks, he announced his intention to engage in “peaceful civil disobed … ” and approached the council members’ bench. Police officers promptly intervened, arresting Kluwe and escorting him out of the chambers. He was charged with disrupting an assembly and spent approximately four hours in custody before being released.

Background on Chris Kluwe

From 2005 to 2012, Chris Kluwe, who is 43 years old, punched for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL for eight years. Kluwe is known for speaking out about social problems like LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality, in addition to his work as an athlete. He has previously criticized homophobia within the NFL and claims his advocacy led to his release from the Vikings.

Huntington Beach’s Political Climate

Huntington Beach has recently garnered attention for its conservative-leaning city council. The council self-identified as the “Make Huntington Beach Great Again” (MHBGA) movement, has implemented several controversial measures, such as banning the gay pride flag from flying over City Hall and restricting access to certain library books. People in the area are divided on these activities; some back the council’s choices, while others see them as political stunts.

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Conclusion

Chris Kluwe’s arrest shows how tense things are in Huntington Beach when it comes to how local government and national politics interact. The planned “MAGA” plaque is the centre of larger conversations about the place of political symbols in public places and how important it is to keep community organizations welcoming to everyone.