BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Videos posted on the Internet Tuesday show U.S. police shocked a university student with a Taser gun and dragged him out of a meeting with Sen. John Kerry, sparking fierce debate about free speech, media reported.

    The student, identified as Andrew Meyer, fired lengthy questions at the former presidential candidate during a question-and-answer session at the University of Florida and refused to give up the microphone when he was told his allotted time was up.

    As four policemen then pulled him out of the hall where Kerry spoke, the young man yelled, and screamed "Don't Tase me, bro," just before he was shot with the popular Taser electroshock weapon.

    As officers carried Meyer away though Kerry could be heard saying he would answer the questions.

    The fracas was recorded by several students at the meeting and video footage rapidly circulated on the Internet, prompting accusations of police brutality and suppression of free speech.

    About 100 students gathered on campus Tuesday to plan protests, demanding that the police be suspended and that Tasers never again be used on campus.

    University of Florida President Bernie Machen said Monday's takedown was "regretful." He asked for a state probe of campus police actions and placed two officers on leave.

    Kerry said in a statement Tuesday he regretted that a healthy discussion was interrupted.

    Meyer was charged with resisting an officer and disturbing the peace, and was held overnight by police and released on Tuesday.

    Tasers and other electric stun guns have sparked huge controversies in the United States as opponents to their use by law enforcement officials claim they have caused numerous deaths.

    (Agencies)