Zombie protest spurring debate

MADISON - As the torch-run for the Special Olympics made its way through Madison Wednesday, it drew some attention statewide.

Around 20 protesters dressed as zombies to show their opposition to Governor Walker's budget, and it's creating quite a stir.

The protesters stood with their backs toward Governor Scott Walker, as he spoke at a Special Olympics ceremony on Capitol grounds Wednesday.

The protesters, dressed as zombies, lined up between the podium and the athletes and spectators.

The protesters at the event were part of a larger group of protesters, who earlier, spent the day marching on Capitol grounds, protesting cuts to higher education funding and the new voter ID law.

However, members of the United Council of UW Students, who organized the protest earlier in the day, posted on their website the, "United Council did not sponsor or support any of the actions and protests at the Special Olympics event which took place after the event had ended. We have nothing but respect and admiration for the work of the Special Olympics and the athletes that participate."

But, in some video posted by the Maclver Institute, one of the protesters says they weren't there to offend anyone.

"We don't want to offend the Special Olympics," said a protester.

How do Special Olympics organizers feel about it?

"We expected there would be some protests that occurred," said Special Olympics Wisconsin V.P. of Communications, Kelly Kloepping.

Kloepping says the ceremony was meant to celebrate the anniversary of the law enforcement torch run, and even with the added guests, Kloepping says the event was a success.

"Certainly you never know what's going to happen, but like I said, we were excited to have our state leaders there and we were glad they support our organization," Kloepping explained. "We have a wonderful organization that represents 10,000 athletes statewide."

The silent demonstration is creating quite a buzz on the web.

We received more than a hundred comments on our FOX 11 Facebook page. Viewers defended both sides of the story.

Mark and Becky wrote, "Peaceful way to make a point."

But Michelle writes, "Regardless if you like Scott Walker or not, this was very rude."

How does Governor Walker feel about it? His spokesman tells FOX 11 while it's unfortunate the protesters chose that venue, Governor Walker was happy to support the Special Olympics.

There were no arrests made at the demonstration at the Special Olympics event.

However, in a separate incident earlier in the day, a dozen zombie protesters were taken into custody after refusing to leave a lawmaker's office.

Capitol Police say 10 were cited for disorderly conduct, one was booked and released, and one was required to post $263.50 because he was from out of state.