UPDATE: Tensions escalated at UC Berkeley on Monday night as three individuals were arrested during a Turning Point USA event, marking the organization’s first California campus appearance since the tragic killing of co-founder Charlie Kirk on September 10.
The event, part of the “American Comeback Tour,” was held at Zellerbach Hall, where a crowd of hundreds gathered, expressing their opposition through signs, chants, and projectiles, including glass containers filled with a blue substance. In the chaos, some attendees were forced to rush for safety as objects were hurled through the air.
According to UC Berkeley spokesperson Dan Mogulof, security measures were heightened, involving law enforcement from surrounding agencies to manage the event and ensure the safety of all participants. The police presence was substantial, shocking many students and attendees.
Two people were detained outside the venue following a physical altercation, while a third individual breached barricades set up to separate protesters from the event. Witnesses reported seeing a man in a red shirt with the word “freedom” on it, who had sustained facial injuries during the incident.
Local student Brynn Pannier, 18, who traveled from Davis to attend the event, described the atmosphere as frightening: “That was really scary… I felt nervous. Things were being thrown, you know, and I lost my friends.”
Another student, Anika Yadav, a junior at UC Berkeley, expressed her surprise at the extensive police presence, stating, “It’s crazy to see the amount of police force out here. It’s shocking to see this.”
The incident has raised concerns regarding political violence and the ongoing debate about balancing security and free speech on college campuses. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those arrested or the specific charges they may face.
As the situation develops, UC Berkeley remains committed to supporting diverse student groups while prioritizing safety. Mogulof reiterated, “We have an unwavering commitment to supporting any and every student group who wishes to meet on campus. Our responsibility is to ensure they provide the resources necessary to keep people safe.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation as it unfolds.
