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Two individuals got arrested and one police officer was wounded Tuesday night at the University of California, when a mix of protestors and rioters battled with officials and damaged property in protest of a Turning Point USA event starring Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, who created the countrywide conservative group with 250,000 student members, lectured about American ideals to around 500 people at the left-leaning institution.
Roughly 100 demonstrators and some rioters blocked the main entrance and roadway before the audience could enter, according to UC officials.
Several rioters were shown on social media kicking in glass panes at the event, while other reports showed the gang flinging eggs and other things. Authorities also stated that guests attempting to enter the facility were pepper sprayed.
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Kirk subsequently called the rioters, who smashed 10 glass window panes, “terrorists” in front of the crowd.
UC Davis officials stated:
“One officer sustained an injury when he was jumped on from behind and pushed to the ground, and two people were arrested and taken to Yolo County Jail for allegedly painting graffiti on an exterior wall of the University Credit Union Center, or UCUC, where the event was held.” (…) “Aside from these pepper spray reports, no major physical injuries were reported and no one requested treatment for injuries,”
According to UC Davis officials, the unnamed person taken into custody by authorities was not linked with the institution.
The majority of the protesters carried banners in support of the “LGBTQIA2S+” group while hiding their identities under umbrellas.
UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May posted a video on YouTube in which he called the Turning Point USA founder a “a well-documented proponent of misinformation and hate and who has advocated for violence against transgender individuals.”
He stated that the university follows a policy that allows registered student organizations, such as Turning Point USA, to reserve campus facilities for the purpose of hosting speakers of their choice, “even if the speaker’s intended speech is loathsome and hurtful to me and to others in our campus community.”
“UC Davis stands in solidarity with our transgender and non-binary Aggies in the face of hostile and divisive propaganda.” May added.
The chancellor’s tone reflected similar views expressed in an op-ed published in the Sacramento Bee, which called for UC Davis to postpone the event and falsely accused Kirk of calling for the “lynching” of transgender individuals.
Independent Writer. Marketing and communications strategist for politicians, artists, public figures & corporate brands for more than 10 years. Contact: @alejandrosbasso (Twitter)
Escritor independiente. Consultor en marketing y comunicaciones de políticos, artistas, figuras públicas y marcas por más de 10 años. Contacto: @alejandrosbasso (Twitter)