A one-man protest outside the Bowling Green Police Department Wednesday quickly turned into a forceful showing by opponents.

An unknown man wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, a disguise associated with the online hacker group Anonymous, stood outside the BG police station Wednesday to protest corruption. He claims the protest began around 10 a.m. Holding a sign that read "[expletive] Police," the man claims he is not against police. He claims the only reason he was protesting was to exercise his first amendment rights.

"The main reason why I came out here today was to just use my first amendment right," the man in the mask said. "Oddly, it has taken a weird turn. Since I was saying [expletive] the police, now I am completely anti-cop."



The man would later correct himself saying he is only against corrupt law enforcement officers.



"I have nothing more than admiration for the police," the masked man said.

Opposition began to fill the corner of Wooster and Church Street with signs that read, "We love you law enforcement" and "We appreciated BG police for everything you do."

One opposing protester, Donald Merrell, says he asked the man what he was protesting and was told "corruption." Shortly after, Merrell says the man saw an officer and yelled profanity at him, causing Merrell to begin a protest of his own.

"I think it's very disrespectful, specifically to BGPD, they do a great job at keeping our community safe," Merrell said. "Someone needed to stand up to it and show them support and love and not negativity."



Merrell says some in his group suggested making signs that would read, "[expletive] you," while standing next to the masked protester. Merrell said he would not stand for that.

"You don't fight hate with hate, you fight hate with love," Merrell said.

The protest ended peacefully.