Just two generations ago, Berkeley was the center of a peaceful free speech movement. However, it has slowly transformed into ground zero for the violent clash of cultures between the right and left.
Trump supporters planned a rally at Berkeley on Saturday in support of the President while the far-left group Anti-fa planned a counter protest.
Within just a few hours it turned violent as Anti-fa activists threw rocks, used pepper spray, and released tear gas at the Trump supporters. Many of the right-wingers wore head and face gear to protect them from the expected onslaught and began chanting “Trust fund commies, off our street!”
At least nine people were arrested, but there were still serious injuries on both sides.
this guy was shouting “Latinos for Trump” pic.twitter.com/iLK2JbHCG4
— Shane Bauer (@shane_bauer) April 15, 2017
The far right is holding downtown Berkeley right now. pic.twitter.com/DOy0aMPrrL
— Shane Bauer (@shane_bauer) April 15, 2017
Man hurt as skirmishes break out, tear gas is used at Patriot’s Day rally and Antifa-organized protest in Berkeley. https://t.co/TyyANYAqWe pic.twitter.com/bCsMk4cYzU
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) April 15, 2017
A man has been injured. Corner of Center and Milvia #berkrally #Berkeley pic.twitter.com/Zb5eLg6mK0
— Tom Lochner (@tomlochner) April 15, 2017
Fighting continued to break out as Trump supporters moved to the downtown part of the city.
Trump supporters fighting back the Fascist Left #Berkeley pic.twitter.com/FZOscaLCHC
— Democrats for Trump (@YoungDems4Trump) April 15, 2017
Leftist Antifa goons throw explosives, pepper spray people and throw rocks in #Berkeley.
MSM coverage: Clashes at #TrumpRally in Berkeley. pic.twitter.com/qoRnaSs8KH— Pamela Moore (@Pamela_Moore13) April 15, 2017
Violent fights break out during #PatriotsDay event in Berkeley, CA. pic.twitter.com/4uRvqJ1SVE via @XpressNews
— ARnews 1936 (@ARnews1936) April 15, 2017
Antifa attack and pepper spray Trump supporters in Berkeley at the #TaxMarch. At this point, civil war seems inevitable. Be ready! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/AeCf3dkBeX
— Steve Hirsch (@Stevenwhirsch99) April 15, 2017
#Berkeley‘s ground zero for the war between #TRUMP & Obama! Obama’s a proven traitor who’s trying disrupt America! pic.twitter.com/gQKnoXnUg8
— Trump Super PAC ?? (@TrumpSuperPAC) April 15, 2017
This is Trump’s campaign ad for the 2020 election. Thanks Antifa.#Berkeley #TaxMarch pic.twitter.com/e6Mj9EHpL7
— Tennessee (@TEN_GOP) April 15, 2017
There seemed to be a limited police presence as tensions escalated, and it calls into question why the city didn’t prepare better.
