Ken Mettler, a politically conservative activist and member of the Kern High School District Board of Trustees, was caught on video kicking and punching a protester at a Friday night demonstration against Proposition 8.

Mettler said the following day that he was only defending himself.

"I was assaulted," Mettler said. "A fellow threw a punch at me. He missed, and I did hit him."

The incident was recorded by another protester. The video shows Mettler taking signs which originally read "Yes on 8" but had been altered to read "No on 8."

Mettler, 55, was jeered by the crowd as he collected the signs. He then started walking toward a man, and the video shows Mettler grabbing a sign and then appearing to punch and kick 21-year-old Prop. 8 opponent Robert Badewitz.

"He hit me on the left jaw with his fist and then he kicked me as well," Badewitz said.

Mettler walked away after the incident. Bakersfield Police said an assault took place, but wouldn't say if Mettler was the one who committed the assault. Police questioned Mettler, but no arrests were made. Police said accusations were made signs were being stolen.

Ken Mettler, who is also the Kern County chairman for the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign and president of the Bakersfield Chapter of the California Republican Assembly, said he saw the Prop. 8 signs on a corner and went over to pick them up while he was on his way to dinner. He said he was accosted and pushed into oncoming traffic, prompting his reaction.

Police said the investigation was completed and neither Mettler nor Badewitz decided to file a criminal complaint against the other.