Group Attacks Anti-Gay Protesters At Marine's Funeral

SEAFORD, Del. -- Five people in Delaware face criminal charges after clashing with members of a Topeka church protesting the weekend funeral of a Marine killed in Iraq.
Police stood between the protesters and counter-demonstrators, some of whom tossed eggs, stones and water bottles at the picketers from Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church. The church believes U.S. casualties in Iraq are God's retribution for America's support of homosexuality.
The church members were greeted by about 1,000 people Sunday outside the funeral of Marine Corp. Cory Palmer, who died earlier this month from injuries suffered in Iraq.
One of the five was charged with assault while the others were cited for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
Despite the trouble, police said area residents showed "good restraint." Church members plan to return to Seaford on Wednesday to picket the funeral of another Marine killed in Iraq.