**Protest Erupts at UC Berkeley During Turning Point USA Event**
*Nov. 11 (UPI)* — A protest broke out at the University of California, Berkeley campus during an on-campus event hosted by the conservative group Turning Point USA. The sold-out “This is the Turning Point” tour event took place Monday evening, roughly two months after the passing of its founder and leader, conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically shot to death on the campus of Utah Valley University.
Andrew Simmalaychanh, a junior in his first year at UC Berkeley, spoke to CBS News about the significance of the gathering. “To get out here and to be in community and to really advocate for the values that we hold as an institution, to hold ourselves as students accountable and to be here and show up to protect the rights of so many people and fight against hatred and bigotry,” he said.
The event faced strong opposition from members of the Berkeley community and student body, resulting in several arrests amid violent clashes. Protesters chanted, “UC Berkeley makes it clear: Fascists are not welcome here,” according to the Berkeley Scanner.
Despite the unrest outside, the “This is the Turning Point” tour event inside Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall continued as planned. Notable speakers included comedian Rob Schneider, who used his platform to condemn ongoing political violence.
Police maintained a heavy presence on campus as protesters demonstrated for hours before and during the Turning Point USA event.
Highlighting the impact of Charlie Kirk, high school senior Isaiah Larceval shared, “Charlie was a great influence on my life. How to live as a man and a godly man,” he said.
The event and surrounding protests underscore the persistent tensions on college campuses over political ideologies and free speech.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/11/11/California-UC-Berkeley-Turning-Point-USA-campus-event-Republican-conservative-Charlie-Kirk-arrests-violence/6271762888969/
