Some of them left in a show of righteous indignation after things started dying down.
IMO, it was just another way to draw attention.
I think they had every intention to leave well before that.
I know MadIvan's tone changed radically just prior. I'd never ever had words with him before, but his obtuse comments about illegal immigration were incredibly patronizing, coming from a non-resident.
Then come to find out, here he was captain of the SS Anti-FReep.
Mutiny indeed.