Simultaneously , public opinion polls during the second week of May showed that 50 percent of the American public approved of President Nixon 's actions . Fifty-eight percent blamed the students for what had occurred at Kent State . On both sides , emotions ran high . In one instance , in New York City on 8 May , pro-administration construction workers rioted and attacked demonstrating students . Such violence , however , was an aberration . Most demonstrations , both pro- and anti-war , were peaceful . On 20 May 100,000 construction workers , tradesmen , and office workers marched peacefully through New York City in support of the president 's policies
rioted
Hard Hat Riot
Cambodian campaign