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
California farmworker dies after chaotic federal immigration raid, family says

California Farmworker Killed During Disorderly Federal Immigration Raid, According to Family

A cannabis farmworker who was critically injured during a chaotic immigration raid…
Menendez brothers score crucial legal victory in decades-long fight as they await potential freedom

Menendez brothers score crucial legal victory in decades-long fight as they await potential freedom

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As infamous killer brothers…
Justice Dept. fires more lawyers, support staff involved in Trump prosecutions

Justice Department Dismisses Additional Lawyers and Support Staff Linked to Trump Prosecutions

The firings are part of a broader wave of terminations that have…
Jeremy Renner on his ex-wife's allegation that he threatened to kill her

Jeremy Renner Addresses Allegations Made by Ex-Wife

Bullseye. In a recent conversation with The Guardian, Jeremy Renner addressed allegations…
Parents of gunman who shot Trump remain silent a year on

One Year Later: Silence from Parents of Trump Shooter

The modest brick home in Bethel Park, Pa., equipped with blackout blinds…
30 years later: How deadly July, 1995 Chicago heat wave led to formation of Office of Emergency Management and Communications

Three Decades On: The Impact of Chicago’s July 1995 Heatwave on Establishing the Emergency Management and Communications Office

CHICAGO (WLS) — This time, 30 year ago, Chicago was grappling with…
New tax break for auto loans could save some buyers thousands of dollars. But will it boost sales?

Will a New Tax Break for Auto Loans Save Buyers Thousands and Boost Car Sales?

Millions of people receive a federal tax deduction for the interest they…
Appeals court scraps 9/11 plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

Appeals Court Overturns 9/11 Plea Agreement for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

The accused 9/11 mastermind’s case remains in limbo after an appeals court…