Pittsburgh, Pa- Conservative speaker Michael Knowles was met with tensions from the opposing side during his debate with Brad Polumbo at the O’Hara Student Center on University of Pittsburgh’s campus.

Many protestors took to the streets before the debate and the demonstrations continued while the debate was going on.

Over the years many demonstrations have grown across the country in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

“Trans rights are human rights,” protesters said.

Information from multiple sources said during the protests there was an “Itinerary Device” set off outside the O’Hara Student Center. Police confirmed the explosion was the combination of fireworks and a Smoke bomb.

The protests caused many buildings on O’Hara Street to close including The Graduate School of Public Health, Thaw Hall, Gardner Steel Center, Benedum Hall, University Club, Allen Hall and the Space Research Coordination Center due to the large demonstrations.

Pittsburgh Police got the crowds under control and no injuries were reported due to the protests.