The final stop of Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA tour sparked protests at the University of California, Berkeley, as students and residents voiced strong opposition to the rightwing group’s message. The event, held Monday evening at Zellerbach Hall, marked the last stop of the American Comeback tour, which began shortly before Kirk’s death in September.
Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the influential college conservative group founded by Kirk, has continued to draw attention following the founder’s fatal shooting. Kirk’s death has been widely discussed in American politics, with prominent conservative figures highlighting his impact. Some political leaders, including former President Donald Trump, have used the incident to criticize Democrats and liberal groups, warning of an “enemy within.” Scholars have described these statements as authoritarian and anti-democratic.
The Berkeley TPUSA event featured comedian and actor Rob Schneider, known for his conservative advocacy, and Christian author Frank Turek. Outside the venue, hundreds of protesters gathered, waving Palestinian flags and signs reading “Fascists out of Berkeley,” “We won the war, why are there still Nazis,” and “No safe space for fascist scum.” Chants and slogans reflected opposition to Kirk’s beliefs and the TPUSA organization.
Police presence was heavy, with dozens of officers blocking entrances, monitoring the crowd, and helicopters circling overhead. Earlier in the day, four students were arrested for allegedly attempting vandalism by placing a large cardboard bug on a campus gate.
Berkeley has a long history of student activism and free speech demonstrations, including notable protests in 2017 against Milo Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter. Those events were canceled amid violent clashes between opposing groups. Tyara Gomez, a third-year student, said Monday’s protest felt typical for the campus but noted the increased security presence compared with previous events.
Despite the tension, the protest remained largely peaceful. Some confrontations occurred, including a man being surrounded after shouting a racial slur. Clashes between demonstrators, counter-demonstrators, and attendees heightened concerns over potential violence. At one point, a passing vehicle triggered panic by making sounds resembling gunshots, causing people to seek cover behind concrete pillars.
Mayte, a visitor to the protest, described the fear and confusion during the incident. She said, “You can’t tell if it’s fireworks or gunshots. It’s scary.” She and her boyfriend stayed behind cover with her dog as the sound passed. Mayte said she was compelled to attend the protest not just against TPUSA but also against Trump’s broader political agenda. “It’s sad what’s happening. I’m the daughter of immigrants,” she said.
Sophie Mason, a freshman, noted the campus’s buzz about the event and expressed relief at the turnout. “There was a lot of tension. People were worried. I’m glad a lot of people came together and showed up,” she said.
The TPUSA Berkeley chapter described the gathering as a chance to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy. The organization has reported a membership increase since his death, with the chapter doubling in size. The sold-out event underscored TPUSA’s continuing influence and the political polarization surrounding the group.
The protests at Berkeley reflect ongoing national debates over free speech, political ideology, and campus activism. As TPUSA continues its activities, universities with histories of leftwing activism remain focal points for both supporters and critics of conservative movements.