Protesters arrested outside debate venue

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Fifteen people were arrested Wednesday night during antiwar protests outside the university campus where the presidential debate took place, police said.

Nassau County Police Lt. Kevin Smith said the protesters were arrested on disorderly conduct charges at the gates of Hofstra University. They identified themselves as Iraq war veterans, he said.

The demonstrators were taken into custody as they tried to enter the campus after being turned away, police said. One person might have been slightly hurt and was taken to a nearby hospital.

About 350 people had gathered outside the campus in the afternoon and were met by mounted police and officers in riot gear.