PHOENIX -- Hecklers broke out into song and forced a high-profile Arizona sheriff to abandon a First Amendment forum sponsored by Arizona State University's journalism school.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was asked by a panel of journalists Monday night to explain his relationship with the media, his various law enforcement policies and whether his office conducts racial profiling.
Arpaio told the panel that his office is an "equal opportunity law enforcement agency" that will arrest anyone who violates the law.
Later in the interview at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, protesters began loudly singing and chanting as Arpaio was asked about a federal investigation and his policies on illegal immigration.
The sheriff told the panel the outburst was "ridiculous" and he left the stage.
ASU journalism school dean Christopher Callahan later called the protest misplaced.
Special: Get Sarah Palin’s New Book – Incredible FREE Offer -- Click Here Now.
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.