Huntington Beach MAGA sign
Share and Follow

(KTLA) – Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe was detained at a city council meeting in California on Tuesday after delivering an impassioned speech criticizing the design of a plaque to be installed at the Huntington Beach Central Library.

Kluwe, an 8-year NFL veteran who played his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings, took to the podium to voice his opposition to the plaque design, which is meant to celebrate the library’s 50th anniversary but has instead made headlines due to the inclusion of the acronym “MAGA,” a reference to President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

In his remarks, Kluwe said MAGA, and the ideology behind it, represented “profoundly corrupt, unmistakably anti-democracy” values. He then voiced his intention to “engage in the time-honored American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience,” approaching the council with his arms behind his back as he awaited to be taken into custody.

Four police officers promptly arrested Kluwe, leading him away from the council chambers. It was not immediately clear what charges he faced.

  • Former Punter Arrested
  • Former Punter Arrested
  • Chris Kluwe, former NFL punter, speaks in opposition to a MAGA-inspired plaque design at Huntington Beach City Council meeting moments before being detained by police on Feb. 18, 2025.

Kluwe attended Los Alamitos High School and played collegiately at UCLA before signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent.

A 15-year resident of Huntington Beach, Kluwe has been outspoken on social and political issues since retiring from the NFL in 2013. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has criticized the league’s handling of controversial topics.

The design of the library plaque, meanwhile, has been a point of contention among those in Huntington Beach, with many residents opposing the inclusion of the MAGA acronym.

The plaque celebrates the library’s 50 years as a “beacon of education, a catalyst for dreams, and a sanctuary for children to feel safe, valued, and free to grow.” Underneath these words, however, are the words Magical, Alluring, Galvanizing and Adventurous, arranged vertically with their first letters aligned.

Huntington Beach MAGA sign
(City of Huntington Beach)

The city council ultimately voted unanimously to approve the plaque, albeit with a slightly modified design and another line of text: “Through hope and change our nation has built back better to the golden era of Making America Great Again!“

The council also approved an additional $1,000 in funds for extra security purposes.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Russian spy ship detected just miles from Hawaiian coastline prompts US Coast Guard response

US Coast Guard Responds as Russian Spy Ship Approaches Hawaiian Shores, Raising National Security Concerns

The U.S. Coast Guard revealed on Thursday that a Russian military intelligence…
Paris Jackson seen after losing legal battle with dad Michael's estate

Paris Jackson Spotted Following Legal Dispute Over Michael Jackson’s Estate

With a heavy heart, Paris Jackson was seen in Los Angeles on…
Amy Schumer's marriage on the BRINK: Star's brutal views on husband

Amy Schumer Opens Up About Her Marriage: Candid Insights on Her Relationship with Husband

Amy Schumer is reportedly on the verge of ending her seven-year marriage…
Georgia judge declares city ordinance banning guns in unlocked cars as 'unenforceable'

Georgia Judge Rules City Gun Storage Law in Cars Cannot Be Enforced

In a significant legal decision on Wednesday, a judge in Georgia dismissed…
Americans report dramatic drop in importance of faith, poll finds

New Poll Reveals Significant Decline in Importance of Faith Among Americans

‘Pitt for Jesus’ event draws nearly 600 attendees Jake Overman, a tight…
68-year-old arrested following string of burglaries at Jacksonville family businesses, police say

Jacksonville Police Arrest 68-Year-Old in Connection with Series of Family Business Burglaries

Authorities in Jacksonville have charged 68-year-old Arthur Virgil with at least ten…
PCSO: Inmate captured after escaping police custody during medical appointment

Breaking News: Escaped Inmate Recaptured After Daring Medical Appointment Getaway

Authorities have issued a warning regarding Eddie Tripp, urging the public not…
Cardi B welcomes fourth child, first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs

Cardi B Celebrates Birth of Fourth Child, Her First with Partner Stefon Diggs

Celebrated Grammy winner Cardi B has joyously announced the arrival of her…