Fifteen protesters from the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) were punched and kicked by an angry mob during the Republican National Convention in New Orleans, USA, mid-August. The fracas broke out while President Ronald Reagan was addressing thousands of Convention delegates and supporters. The fight was carried live by the major TV networks and cable television. The ACT UP activists were surrounded by Republicans who began shouting "Let's get the faggots" and calling the gay protesters "Commies, faggots and queers". Five of the ACT UP protesters were later arrested and charged with disturbing the peace. They were held afterwards for four hours by New Orleans police.