PSU Beefs Up Security Following Riots

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.,None — Penn State University Beaver Stadium will see increased security for Saturday's game against Nebraska following the firing of head football coach Joe Paterno earlier this week.

Channel 11 News crews have already begun spotting police cruisers being stationed every few blocks.

On Thursday, campus police said they'll work with local police departments to have extra staff on-hand for the game. Police said they want to avoid a repeat of students rioting like they did Wednesday night following Paterno's firing.

Paterno had announced early Wednesday that he planned to retire after the season and expressed remorse for not having done more after he learned of sex abuse allegations that had been lodged against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who has denied the charges.

However, Wednesday night, the board of trustees announced his immediate firing, causing students to begin rioting in downtown State College.

During the protest, students toppled a television news van and had to be dispersed by riot police, who used pepper spray to subdue to rowdy crowd.

On Thursday, Gov. Tom Corbett told the students their actions are being watched around the world.

"Please, please behave and demonstrate your pride in Penn State," Corbett said.

"I don't agree with the excessive violence that took place," said student Lucas Wilson. "I don't agree with all that kind of stuff, but at the same time, we as a student body have a right to protest."

Normally, there's a student rally before the games. However, a candlelight vigil is planned instead for Friday evening.

Police said students involved in the riots could face several serious charges.

VIDEO: Police Step Up Patrols After PSU Riots; Charges Pending

Investigators said a crowd of 4,000 to 5,000 people descended on downtown State College after the firing. Police said the crowd was initially peaceful, but quickly turned into a "riotous mob."

Investigators said the mob began damaging vehicles and rolled a new van. Officers said several people also tried to light vehicles on fire and tore down light posts and street signs.

Officers said people also threw rocks, bottles and hard objects at police and citizens. Investigators said several people were hurt.

State College police said they were forced to use pepper spray when the crowd became unmanageable.

Investigators said several people have been identified in connection with the riots and several more people could be charged. Police said those people could face several charges, including rioting, attempted arson, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

"We want people who could have seriously hurt or killed people," said Cpt. John Gardner of the State College Police Department.

Police department officials said they are reviewing video footage of the events and hope to identify other suspects in the criminal acts.

Detectives are asking anyone with photos or video of the riots to turn them into the State College Police Department.

The department will make the videos and pictures available on its website after they have been collected. Centre County Crimestoppers does offer rewards up to $1,000 for information in any crime.

Channel 11's Julie Fine spoke to several students who witnessed the rioting.

"I don't agree with all of the destruction. I think it was taken a little too far. But I think it was expected by everyone," said student Lacey Smith.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of Old Main Thursday afternoon as the president of student body spoke to an upset crowd of students.

"We need to stay united behind our honors, our values and our principals," said student body president T.J. Bard.

Many students expressed their sympathy to those who may have been affected by the alleged sexual abuse by former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky.

"It is really sad. I think we should focus on the victims, rather than ruin Penn State's reputation right now," said student Qandell Michael.

State College police said they are prepared for more rioting, should it occur. Police said they will also be stepping up patrols at Saturday's football game.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is asking students at Penn State to refrain from the violence that wracked their college town following the firing of football coach Joe Paterno.

At a news conference Thursday, Corbett said that actions speak much louder than words. He says students have the right to express their opinions but not the right to violence.

Corbett said that when students chant "We are Penn State!" they should make sure they're demonstrating Penn State at its best.

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