Police took into custody several people at a student Republican event at the University of Washington on Saturday that drew counter-protesters.

The police presence appeared significant as the Seattle Police Department assigned extra officers to support university police for the event at the campus.

College Republicans invited the Vancouver-based group Patriot Prayer to speak in Red Square. The club bills it as a free speech event.

University of Washington police didn't immediately return a call to The Associated Press seeking more information.

KOMO News reported that protesters on different sides brawled -- prompting police to use pepper spray and make a few arrests. It wasn't clear which group those who were arrested associate with.

-- The Associated Press