Tense scenes unfolded at the University of California, Berkeley on Monday as protesters clashed with police outside a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated two months ago during his Utah tour stop.
Clashes and Arrests Outside the Event
Law enforcement officers in riot gear were deployed to control demonstrators gathered around the Zellerbach Hall, where the event — the final stop of Kirk’s “Prove Me Wrong” tour — was held. According to reports from Fox News, at least eight people were arrested, including four UC Berkeley students, all women, who now face felony vandalism charges.
Officials said the group was caught attempting to hang a large cardboard effigy from Sather Gate, a campus landmark, in protest of the TPUSA tribute. Police quickly intervened as tensions escalated between demonstrators and attendees arriving for the event.
Witnesses described an atmosphere filled with chants, fireworks, and flares, with police forming barricades to separate opposing groups.
Allegations of Antifa Involvement
Journalist Andy Ngo, known for his reporting on anti-fascist movements, claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the protests were organized by a group known as By Any Means Necessary, an antifa-aligned organization previously linked to unrest on the Berkeley campus.
“The violent Antifa attack at UC Berkeley on the TPUSA event was organized by the violent outsider Antifa group, By Any Means Necessary,” Ngo wrote.
While police have not confirmed the organization’s involvement, several demonstrators wore face coverings and keffiyehs, and some carried banners condemning Kirk’s political influence.
Divided Reactions Among Students
Student protesters told CBS News they felt compelled to oppose Kirk’s legacy and what they called his “harmful rhetoric.”
“We’re here to stand up for our values and fight against hate and bigotry,” said student Andrew Simmalaychanh.
Another student, identified only as Lily, added, “Knowing what he said and represented, I don’t think the university should have hosted this event.”
Despite the turmoil outside, the TPUSA event drew a full house inside the venue. TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvert described the crowd as “resilient and defiant,” posting video footage of a packed auditorium holding images of Kirk.
Guests Defend Free Speech
The event featured actor Rob Schneider and author Frank Turek. Schneider later thanked the students who attended, saying,
“I want to thank all the courageous Berkeley students who refused to be intimidated by the so-called tolerant left. We know who the real fascists are — the ones trying to silence free speech.”
Political Context
The unrest comes amid heightened national tension over political activism and free speech on college campuses. In September, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that antifa was officially designated as a “domestic terrorist organization,” calling it “a dangerous, radical-left disaster.”
The university has not yet issued an official statement on the arrests or whether disciplinary actions will follow.
