CPL Talks About PSU Riots
By: Heather Hutzler
Updated: November 10, 2011
Following the news of the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal involving multiple young victims, the Penn State Board of Trustees announced late Wednesday night, Joe Paterno was being fired from his long-time position as head coach of the Penn State University football team.
The news sparked massive rioting in downtown State College, where thousands of students had gathered to show their support for Paterno. WTAJ News had several crews covering these late-breaking events and got caught in the melee that erupted.
Watch the video to hear student reaction Thursday afternoon and hear reporter Jeff Preval share his experience as the rowdy crowd overturned a WTAJ news van Wednesday night. Also, licensed counselor Mark Frederick, with Altoona Regional, discusses the "mob mentality" that can happen when an emotionally charged group of people gather following a big event. And, WTAJ News Anchor Carolyn Donaldson shares her perspective as a news person part of a team in the center of such a big story.
The news sparked massive rioting in downtown State College, where thousands of students had gathered to show their support for Paterno. WTAJ News had several crews covering these late-breaking events and got caught in the melee that erupted.
Watch the video to hear student reaction Thursday afternoon and hear reporter Jeff Preval share his experience as the rowdy crowd overturned a WTAJ news van Wednesday night. Also, licensed counselor Mark Frederick, with Altoona Regional, discusses the "mob mentality" that can happen when an emotionally charged group of people gather following a big event. And, WTAJ News Anchor Carolyn Donaldson shares her perspective as a news person part of a team in the center of such a big story.
