Violent clashes broke out at a “Free Speech” rally in Berkeley, California on Saturday between pro-Trump supporters and members of Antifa. Hundreds of supporters and opponents of President Donald J. Trump battled each other at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. The pro-Trump group, the Liberty Revival Alliance, organized the “Patriot’s Day” rally and were quickly met with opposition from Antifa. The pro-Trump coalition had muscle in the form of the Oath Keepers militia from Montana as well as bikers.
Absolutely chaotic scenes in Berkeley where pro- & anti-Trump protesters are clashing. @BuzzFeedNews also on scene: https://t.co/GHfElQPq6U pic.twitter.com/XX5mR0s7LC
— David Mack (@davidmackau) April 15, 2017
Demonstrators are punching each other and even using skateboards and helmets as weapons in #Berkeley. https://t.co/PAK3WUbllH pic.twitter.com/7G8hLtsA4I
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) April 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/shane_bauer/status/853347344099627008
https://twitter.com/shane_bauer/status/853329587857539072
The battle relocated from the park to the city’s downtown area.
https://twitter.com/shane_bauer/status/853353232151609344
https://twitter.com/GirlsOfEuropa/status/853366811852644352
https://twitter.com/TEN_GOP/status/853357068149022721
https://twitter.com/PacificChorus/status/853384374678454272
A man has been injured. Corner of Center and Milvia #berkrally #Berkeley pic.twitter.com/Zb5eLg6mK0
— Tom Lochner (@tomlochner) April 15, 2017
The Battle of Berkeley summed up in one image. pic.twitter.com/ZOV2MVShL7
— Carl Benjamin (@Sargon_of_Akkad) April 16, 2017
The alt-right supporters believed they won the Battle of Berkeley.
https://twitter.com/shane_bauer/status/853390437255495680
There were 21 arrested on a variety of charges, including battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting a law enforcement officer. There were 11 injured and seven treated at nearby hospitals.
Then there was this gentleman who believes that bubbles have the healing power of Pepsi and would quash the hostilities.
https://twitter.com/shane_bauer/status/853390437255495680
Speaking of the healing power of Pepsi.
A peace offering to Antifa. pic.twitter.com/OUUOjN5HnV
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) April 15, 2017
But at the end of the day, it was still Berkeley.
This may be the most Berkeley thing I have ever read https://t.co/NJ3XTuXwAE pic.twitter.com/YpzYo2YBIE
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) April 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/shane_bauer/status/853370341246226432