Two months after the death of Charlie Kirk, founder of the influential rightwing student group Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the organization brought his message to the University of California, Berkeley, a campus long associated with leftwing activism, in an event that also served as a memorial for the late conservative activist, Baltimore Chronicle з посиланням на Guardian.
The gathering, held Monday evening at Zellerbach Hall, marked the final stop of the “American Comeback” tour Kirk had begun prior to his fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. Conservative speakers including JD Vance addressed attendees, reflecting on Kirk’s political influence and the impact of his sudden death. Following the killing in September, allegedly by a 22-year-old gunman, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly invoked the incident to criticize Democrats, liberal organizations, and donors, warning of an “enemy within,” actions scholars have described as authoritarian.
In the aftermath, some individuals have faced job discipline or termination over public statements, or perceived statements, regarding Kirk’s death or his political views.
The Berkeley event was organized by the university’s TPUSA chapter and featured comedian and actor Rob Schneider, a vocal supporter of conservative causes, and Christian author Frank Turek. Outside the hall, hundreds of demonstrators protested, holding signs reading “Fascists out of Berkeley,” “No safe space for fascist scum,” and waving Palestinian flags. Police officers lined entrances to the venue and helicopters monitored the area from above.
At least three arrests were reported during the protests, including two linked to a violent confrontation, according to the Daily Californian. Students on campus expressed unease prior to the event. “There was a lot of tension. People were worried,” said freshman Sophie Mason, who observed the protest after class. The crowd outside maintained its presence for hours, briefly chanting profanity directed at Kirk. Protesters also criticized the heavy police presence, shouting “CHP go home” toward California Highway Patrol officers stationed at the scene.
Earlier in the day, police detained four students for alleged vandalism after they attempted to hang a large cardboard bug on a gate near the event. UC Berkeley, renowned for its role in the 1960s free speech movement, has previously hosted contentious events. In 2017, planned appearances by rightwing provocateurs Milo Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter sparked massive student protests and were ultimately canceled, though violent confrontations occurred in the city.
Monday’s TPUSA gathering, described by the campus chapter as a chance to “be a part of the movement built on Charlie’s legacy,” was sold out, and the chapter has reportedly doubled in membership since Kirk’s passing. Third-year student Tyara Gomez commented that, given Berkeley’s history of protests, such demonstrations felt familiar, although the visible law enforcement presence was notably higher.
The protest remained largely peaceful, though moments of tension emerged, including when a man shouted a racial slur and was confronted by attendees. There were occasional clashes between demonstrators, counter-demonstrators, and event participants, along with heightened concerns about gun violence. Early in the evening, a passing vehicle appeared to mimic gunshots, prompting crowds to flee or seek cover behind concrete barriers. Mayte, who attended with her boyfriend, hid with her dog and others as the vehicle drove by. “You can’t tell if it’s fireworks or gunshots. It’s scary,” she said, noting that her presence was motivated by opposition to both TPUSA and Trump’s political agenda.
Freshman Mason expressed surprise that Turning Point USA chose a famously liberal campus for the event, but appreciated the turnout of students voicing their perspectives. “I’m glad a lot of people came together and showed up,” she said.
Earlier we wrote that Donald Trump Awards Late Blogger Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom — Full Details.
