STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Riot police were deployed in State College, Pa., on Wednesday night as thousands of Penn State supporters vented their anger at the firing of Joe Paterno amid a scandal over the school’s handling of child sexual abuse allegations.
At around 12:20 a.m. local time Thursday, the university issued an official police dispersal order via Facebook, warning students to vacate downtown State College immediately. It came after several violent scenes in which protesters flipped over a media van and destroyed other property.
About 2,000 people gathered at Old Main and moved to an area called Beaver Canyon, a street ringed by student apartments that were used in past riots to pelt police, myFOXphilly.com reported.
But while several arrests were made, the disorder was controlled amid a strong presence from state police as the crowds returned to Old Main.
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The disorder escalated after the school’s Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting Wednesday night and later announced at a news conference that they had dismissed Paterno, the longest-tenured coach in major-college football, and Graham Spanier, the school’s president for the past 16 years.
The actions followed the indictment over the weekend of Paterno’s longtime assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, on charges of child sex abuse over a 15-year period.
Hundreds of students gathered at the HUB-Robeson Center, the student union, to watch the news conference on a big screen. When the announcement came that Paterno would not coach again at Penn State, students gasped and hushed. Women began to weep.
John Surma, the board’s vice president, said he called Paterno at home Wednesday to deliver the news. He said the board’s vote was unanimous.
About two hours after the firing, Paterno came out of his house to greet about 200 students who had gathered there, myFOXphilly.com reported. “Pray for the [sexual abuse] victims,” he told the crowd. “We love you.”
He also issued a statement, obtained by FOX News Channel, saying that he was disappointed with the board’s decision but would have to accept it.
“A tragedy occurred, and we all have to have patience to let the legal process proceed,” his statement said. “I appreciate the outpouring of support but want to emphasize that everyone should remain calm, and please respect the university, its property and all that we value.”
Paterno added, “I have been incredibly blessed to spend my entire career working with people I love. I am grateful beyond words to all of the coaches, players and staff who have been a part of this program. And to all of our fans and supporters, my family and I will be forever in your debt.”