@nullagent University spokesperson Ben Johnson said the individuals are “state troopers in a watching position, similar to football game day.”

Which I don't think is a good answer. Are these troopers armed? Do we really need armed thugs "watching" the protest and fantasizing (and you know they are) about using force on college students?

I really think these students should demand that the person responsible for this be fired. They put the lives of the students (esp. the POC ones) in danger.