BERKELEY, Calif. – Fights and altercations broke out Monday night at the University of California, Berkeley, as Turning Point USA held its final campus tour stop of the year.
Chaotic scene
KTVU’s Crystal Bailey reported from the scene, describing some bloody skirmishes. Authorities said one Turning Point attendee and one protester were detained.
Berkeley police confirmed two arrests but did not specify whether those taken into custody were the attendee and protester previously detained.
Aerial footage captured a violent confrontation in which a person dressed in dark clothing pummeled someone wearing a red T-shirt on the sidewalk outside the event. Dozens of people remained in line as tensions flared, creating what Bailey described as a rowdy scene.
Fights break out ahead of Turning Point USA event on UC Berkeley campus
Fights and altercations are breaking out at Zellerbach Hall on UC Berkeleys campus on Monday just as a Turning Point USA event got underway. KTVUs Crystal Bailey reports live from the scene where some detainments have been made at the event associated for the organization co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk.
Prior to the protest, four students were arrested overnight for vandalism related to the event.
Flyers opposing Turning Point USA’s visit were also posted around campus leading up to the tour stop.
Protesters condemn Turning Point USA
“We want to make clear that we’re not going to be intimidated and this is not the campus to do this on,” said Hoku Jeffrey of By Any Means Necessary Coalition.
Jeffrey added, “Charlie Kirk was not about promoting free speech and open debate. He was about trying to bully and intimidate people into silence and submission.”
Heightened security measures
UC Berkeley officials said security would be tight for Monday’s event, with extra personnel on hand to ensure safety. San Francisco sheriff’s deputies were also on scene.
Event marks two months since founder’s death
The event at Zellerbach Hall also marked two months since Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in what authorities have described as a politically motivated attack during an appearance at Utah Valley University.
Turning Point USA is a nonprofit organization that promotes conservative values on high school and college campuses.
Monday’s event featured comedian and filmmaker Rob Schneider and Christian author Frank Turek, who appeared in place of Kirk, who had been scheduled to headline the tour.
University Response
UC Berkeley Assistant Vice Chancellor Dan Mogulof told Fox News Digital that the university was aware of the planned protest.
“The protest in question is being organized by a group that has no affiliation with the university,” Mogulof said. “It is not one of our 1,000+ Registered Student Organizations. The university has been absolutely clear: Our student organizations have every right to invite whoever they wish to events on campus. Together with our police force we will, as always, take whatever measures are deemed necessary to have a safe and successful event.”
Mogulof said the protest appeared to be organized by a group called Students Organizing for Liberation, which is not a registered student organization. However, some other groups listed on the protest flyer are recognized campus groups and therefore subject to the Student Code of Conduct.
He added that the university was treating the Turning Point USA event like any other major campus event while upholding First Amendment rights.
“The campus fully supports the rights and ability of every single student organization to invite whatever speakers they wish, regardless of their beliefs or perspectives,” said Mogulof.
Event draws supporters
The president of the UC Berkeley chapter of Turning Point USA said the group has a strong membership and that all 1,900 tickets for the event were sold out.
Before the event began, attendee Mary Pelican said she was there to honor Kirk and his legacy.
“We’re here to honor Charlie, and we want to spread the word for the young people,” Pelican said.
The Source: Information for this story comes from the social media account of Students Organizing for Liberation at UC Berkeley, Fox News Digital, along with KTVU reporting.
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