Kyrie Irving last played point guard for the Brooklyn Nets on June 13, 2020. On Sunday, protesters used Irving’s point of refusing the COVID-19 vaccine to guard their fallen star. 

Protesters attempted to storm the Barclays Center in violent fashion during the Brooklyn Nets home opener against the Charlotte Hornets. 

Signs at the “Stand With Kyrie Irving” protest compared vaccine mandates to discrimination, segregation and Nazi Germany. 

In Irving’s first public words about the vaccine in a viral Instagram Live video, Irving said his stance isn’t about being for or against vaccines, but “about being true to what feels good” for him. 

Related: Kyrie Irving Gives Whirlwind Response on Bypassing Vaccine on IG Live 

However, the attempted raid on Sunday wasn’t about Irving’s cause or the maligned star in general. The storming served as a vessel for chaos to utilize Irving’s status as a shield. 

During the protest, police said a man dressed in red was signaling people to storm into the arena. Protesters fought violently to break through a group of security guards, but the guards were able to defend against the attack of rioters.  

Related: Brooklyn Nets Won’t Allow Kyrie Irving to Play Due to Vaccination Status 

The protest was organized by Teachers for Choice as well as Rev. Kevin McCall and Black Lives Matter activist Hank Newsome, who marched to Barclays with signs. 

“This is against the mandate. They’re trying to take away our freedom,” McCall said. 

During Irving’s Instagram Live statement two weeks ago, he said: “I’m standing with all those that believe what is right. Everybody is entitled to do what they feel is what’s best for themselves. Seeing the way this is dividing our world up … it’s sad to see … People are losing jobs to mandates.”