PHOENIX -- Hecklers broke out into song and forced a high-profile Arizona sheriff to abandon a First Amendment forum sponsored by Arizona State University's journalism school.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was asked by a panel of journalists Monday night to explain his relationship with the media, his various law enforcement policies and whether his office conducts racial profiling.

Arpaio told the panel that his office is an "equal opportunity law enforcement agency" that will arrest anyone who violates the law.

Additionally, panelists asked questions about delays in public-records requests.

Some attendees as well as some people watching a livestream online of the event said the sheriff appeared to be dodging the questions.

"He's pretty good at switching the questions and not answering them straightforwardly," said student Victoria Morrow.

Nevertheless, Arpaio made a point to address questions about his apparent affinity for the spotlight.

"People call me a headline grabber," the sheriff said. "You invited me. I didn't invite you … is that correct?"

Later in the interview at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, protesters began loudly singing a version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and chanting as Arpaio was asked about a federal investigation and his policies on illegal immigration.

The sheriff told the panel the outburst was "ridiculous" and he left the stage.

ASU journalism school dean Christopher Callahan later called the protest misplaced.

ASU students appeared to agree.

"I think (the protesters are) ignorant, and they're not really journalism students because journalism students would have enough respect for what they want to do in their lives and keep their mouths shut," said student Samantha Dillinger.

School officials said security did not take away the singing protesters because officers were too busy controlling the hundreds of protesters outside the building.