Tensions Rise at UC Berkeley: Protests Erupt During Turning Point USA Event, Resulting in Multiple Arrests

Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 1:11 am

Tensions Flare at UC Berkeley as Protests Disrupt Turning Point USA Event

Berkeley, CA – A Turning Point USA (TPUSA) campus tour event at the University of California, Berkeley, concluded on Monday evening amidst escalating tensions and multiple arrests. The event, held at Zellerbach Hall, drew a large crowd of attendees, while a significant number of protestors gathered outside, leading to confrontations and disruptions.

The TPUSA event, part of a nationwide tour, was held two months after the death of its founder, Charlie Kirk. Protests began hours before the event's scheduled start, with students and activists assembling with signs and vocalizing their opposition to TPUSA's presence on campus. Organizers were forced to relocate the entrance line due to congestion and escalating confrontations. Some speakers inside the hall criticized the university for logistical issues related to ticketing.

Outside, protestors voiced strong disapproval of TPUSA. One student, Stella, expressed outrage at the use of university resources for the event, while another masked protestor stated that such events should not occur on campus.

Inside the hall, the event proceeded despite the unrest. Supporters of TPUSA remained steadfast. One attendee, Grace Fortune, described facing negative reactions on campus for wearing a T-shirt referencing Jesus and Kirk. Fortune also witnessed a street vendor selling TPUSA merchandise being assaulted by a protestor. Another attendee, Bernt Wahl, expressed a more neutral stance, advocating for the free exchange of ideas and acknowledging the validity of arguments from both sides.

The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and differing viewpoints on college campuses. The event concluded with the election of Erika Kirk as the new CEO of Turning Point USA.

BNN's Perspective: The events at UC Berkeley underscore the challenges universities face in balancing free speech with the need to maintain a safe and inclusive environment. While the right to protest is fundamental, the escalation of tensions and violence is concerning. Finding common ground and fostering respectful dialogue is crucial for navigating these complex issues.

Keywords: Turning Point USA, UC Berkeley, protests, free speech, Charlie Kirk, campus event, arrests, Zellerbach Hall, student activism, Erika Kirk, political discourse, campus tensions

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