Fights break out, multiple people arrested as Turning Point USA event sparks protest at UC Berkeley
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Turning Point USA wrapped up its nationwide campus tour Monday night at UC Berkeley, marking two months since the death of its founder, Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at a Utah college.
The final event drew hundreds of attendees to Zellerbach Hall, and many protesters outside. Demonstrators, including students and activists, gathered hours before doors opened, chanting with signs.
Organizers anticipated protests, but tensions escalated quickly. At one point, the entrance line had to be moved further down the block, due to crowding and confrontations. Ticketing issues also emerged, with some speakers blaming the university for logistical mishaps.
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Outside the venue, protesters voiced strong opposition to Turning Point USA being on UC Berkeley's campus.
MORE: UC Berkeley prepares for final Turning Point USA tour stop
"We're using our facilities, resources to do it, which I think is just crazy. Go somewhere else, we don't want you here," said Stella, a student protester.
"Events like this should never happen on this campus or anywhere again," added another masked demonstrator.
Inside, the event continued despite the unrest. Supporters of Kirk and Turning Point USA remained undeterred.
One attendee, Grace Fortune, said she got dirty looks on campus for wearing a T-shirt that had mentions of Jesus and Kirk.
MORE: Turning Point USA announces counterprogram Super Bowl halftime show
"When you see someone that courageous with their faith, you're like why am I not that courageous with my faith" said Fortune. "I shouldn't be afraid to wear a shirt that says 'Jesus' on it."
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Fortune said while purchasing a T-shirt for her husband from a street vendor, she witnessed him get beat up by a protester. ABC7 News cameras captured the vendor, with a bloody face, getting escorted away by police while another man was arrested.
Bernt Wahl, another attendee said he is more neutral.
"I want to encourage free ideas, don't want one side to dominate the other," said Wahl. "There are valid points on both sides."
MORE: Erika Kirk elected as new CEO for Turning Point USA after husband's death
Actor Rob Schneider, one of the evening's speakers, criticized the university's handling of the event and broader free speech issues: "Shame on you, Berkeley," he said.
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Addressing protesters, he added, "They're coming from a place of emotion, and that's tough."
Even without Kirk, the event concluded with Turning Point USA's signature "Prove Me Wrong" format, inviting attendees to ask questions and share their perspectives.
Outside, protesters remained vocal throughout the evening, shouting at attendees as they exited. Police stayed throughout the night, escorting attendees as they left campus.
UC Berkeley officials released a statement to ABC7 News' Frances Wang on Tuesday writing:
UC Berkeley condemns all violence and will hold accountable anyone who violates the law or campus regulations. The University is firmly committed to an open and robust marketplace of ideas and to maintaining a campus where people of all beliefs and perspectives can feel safe and respected.
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There is no place at UC Berkeley for attempts to use violence or intimidation to prevent lawful expression or chill free speech. The University is conducting a full investigation and intends to fully cooperate with and assist any federal investigations and the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force to identify the outside agitators responsible for attempting to disrupt last night's TPUSA event.
UC Berkeley will take all appropriate steps to safeguard the right of every member of our community to speak and assemble freely.
Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of numerous University, state, and local police officers, the efforts to prevent last night's event did not succeed.
Instead, the TPUSA event proceeded safely and without interruption, with more than 900 participants in attendance. Several arrests were made in connection with the event by both city and university police. UC Berkeley appreciates and commends the officers and staff who helped preserve both public safety and freedom of speech on our campus. The University remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold open dialogue, respect, and the rule of law.
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