Their actions indicate to me that they clearly understand that the University wants these people to be intimidated, that it wants the protests/exercise of free speech suppressed.
If this is the case and the officers knew of the excersise of free speech in this manner before acting, their actions are criminal. It would never stick as a criminal charge because of "reasonable doubt." But it would certainly make for a strong civil lawsuit.
Not "IF", it "IS" the case.
I had read about their plans to wear empty holsters here on FR. It has been known for at least a week. The MOVEMENT "Students for Concealed Carry on Campus" has been around for FIVE YEARS.
Students don empty holsters to protest USC rules - April 4, 2012
Students have been wearing empty holsters on campus this week — and not because they misplaced their guns.
Rather, they are taking part in the Empty Holster Protest, a nationwide movement that encourages schools to allow students the right to carry concealed weapons on campus.
The protest was brought to USC by fourth-year criminal justice student Joshua Cohen and third-year criminal justice student Cody Armstrong and has gained most of its support through Facebook and word of mouth.
Students Strap On Empty Holsters to Protest Gun Restrictions on Campus - October 24, 2007
"People who would otherwise be able to defend themselves are left defenseless when on campus," said Ethan Bratt, a graduate student wearing an empty holster this week on the campus of Seattle Pacific University.
A group of 12 students chose to wear empty holsters to class this week at the University of Idaho as part of the nationwide protest.