Violence erupted outside UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall Monday night as Turning Point USA wrapped up its nationwide campus tour, with multiple arrests made amidst a sea of protesters. Hundreds of attendees gathered at the venue, while demonstrators on the sidewalk outside chanted and brandished signs.
Tensions quickly escalated, prompting authorities to move the entrance line further down the block due to overcrowding and confrontations. Ticketing issues also arose, with some speakers blaming the university for logistical mishaps.
Protesters voiced their strong opposition to Turning Point USA's presence on campus, with one student protester stating, "We're using our facilities, resources to do it, which I think is just crazy. Go somewhere else, we don't want you here." Another masked demonstrator added, "Events like this should never happen on this campus or anywhere again."
Despite the unrest, the event continued inside, with supporters of Turning Point USA and its founder Charlie Kirk remaining undeterred. One attendee, Grace Fortune, expressed her commitment to her faith, saying she would not be intimidated into hiding it.
The evening took a violent turn when a street vendor, who had been selling T-shirts, was beaten up by a protester while attempting to sell merchandise. Police were quick to respond, and multiple arrests were made in connection with the event.
In response to the violence, UC Berkeley officials released a statement condemning all forms of violence and promising to hold accountable anyone who violates university regulations or laws. The university emphasized its commitment to an open marketplace of ideas and ensuring that all members of the community can feel safe and respected.
While some attendees, like Bernt Wahl, acknowledged the need for balance in free speech, others, including actor Rob Schneider, criticized the university's handling of the event and broader free speech issues.
Tensions quickly escalated, prompting authorities to move the entrance line further down the block due to overcrowding and confrontations. Ticketing issues also arose, with some speakers blaming the university for logistical mishaps.
Protesters voiced their strong opposition to Turning Point USA's presence on campus, with one student protester stating, "We're using our facilities, resources to do it, which I think is just crazy. Go somewhere else, we don't want you here." Another masked demonstrator added, "Events like this should never happen on this campus or anywhere again."
Despite the unrest, the event continued inside, with supporters of Turning Point USA and its founder Charlie Kirk remaining undeterred. One attendee, Grace Fortune, expressed her commitment to her faith, saying she would not be intimidated into hiding it.
The evening took a violent turn when a street vendor, who had been selling T-shirts, was beaten up by a protester while attempting to sell merchandise. Police were quick to respond, and multiple arrests were made in connection with the event.
In response to the violence, UC Berkeley officials released a statement condemning all forms of violence and promising to hold accountable anyone who violates university regulations or laws. The university emphasized its commitment to an open marketplace of ideas and ensuring that all members of the community can feel safe and respected.
While some attendees, like Bernt Wahl, acknowledged the need for balance in free speech, others, including actor Rob Schneider, criticized the university's handling of the event and broader free speech issues.
just saw the news about UC Berkeley's Turning Point USA campus tour descent into chaos... violence erupted outside Zellerbach Hall, multiple arrests made 
ticketing issues & logistical mishaps added fuel to the fire 
protesters took umbrage with TPUSA's presence on campus, citing "we're using our facilities, resources" 
meanwhile, a street vendor got beaten up by a protester while trying to sell merch 
sounds like the free speech debate got pretty heated... university officials releasing statement condemning violence & promising accountability 
but is it too little too late? 
. I get that Turning Point USA wanted to make their presence known on campus, but a violent confrontation isn't the way to do it. The police were there for a reason, but they couldn't keep everyone safe. It's crazy that some people thought it was okay to beat up a street vendor who was just trying to make a living 
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...like turning point usa is trying to stir up drama wherever they go, but honestly, can't they just have a peaceful conversation like normal people? 
their founder charlie kirk is super outspoken and likes to provoke people...it's no wonder there was violence at the event. also, it's weird that UC berkeley allowed them on campus in the first place - shouldn't they be promoting free speech in a more constructive way? 
! So many people, so much tension... it's crazy how things escalated from a simple disagreement to full-blown violence 
. I'm just glad no one was seriously hurt 
, fingers crossed for everyone involved! 
. Like, can't we all just get along? 
It's crazy that a protest turned into actual violence 
. I mean, I get that everyone has different opinions, but beating up a street vendor? That's not cool 
. And the protesters who were chanting and brandishing signs on the sidewalk... what did they expect would happen? 
. Can't we just have open discussions without it turning into a circus? 
It's like, UC Berkeley is trying to promote an "open marketplace of ideas" and then they let this kind of violence happen? 
. I mean, it's not easy to be in a place where you're outnumbered by protesters. Can't we just find ways to listen to each other without resorting to violence? 
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. And can we talk about the university's response? They're all like "we condemn all forms of violence" but where was that when it came to the speakers and supporters showing up uninvited? 
. And the fact that some protesters were chanting and brandishing signs is super concerning - what's next, right? 
they say it's not welcomin' 2 different perspectives. but on the other side, ppl who support tpusa r all like "hey, we gotta express ourselves" 
. maybe next time turnin point usa can just rent a diff venue 
. It's like, can't we all just get along? 
And what's up with actor Rob Schneider being all critical of the university? Like, isn't he worried about his own freedom of speech or something?