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Violence Erupts at Conservative Student Event at UC Davis
A disturbing incident unfolded on Thursday on the University of California, Davis campus when masked protesters assaulted conservative students and vandalized their equipment during a scheduled event featuring speaker Brandon Tatum, a known conservative commentator.
The student organization Turning Point USA had organized a “Prove Me Wrong” event, which was abruptly disrupted when approximately 30 demonstrators confronted attendees. According to reports from Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, the protesters damaged cameras, destroyed a tent, and overturned tables while physically assaulting some of the group’s staff. Kirk noted on social media that police presence appeared ineffective during the assault, stating, “While our people were under attack, police stood aside and did nothing.” He added that despite the chaos, his team remains resolute in their mission.
Official Response from UC Davis
The university addressed the incident in a statement, acknowledging that protesters confronted Turning Point USA members but emphasized that the event continued as planned and concluded without further violence. They confirmed that police had received one report of an assault, although no medical assistance was requested or arrests made. The university’s administration asserted their commitment to protecting free speech on campus.
Turning Point USA had invited Tatum to speak around 1 p.m., but tensions escalated about an hour prior to his keynote address. Initial confrontations included demonstrators attempting to dismantle event equipment and engaging in altercations with supporters staff on site.
Protests and Public Sentiment
Videos circulating on social media depicted the chaotic scene, showcasing demonstrators waving a banner with the phrase “ACAB,” which stands for “All Cops Are Bastards,” as they advanced towards the event location. Kirk criticized UC Davis, labeling it as home to a concerningly high presence of Antifa and suggesting a pattern of escalating violence against conservative speakers.
“When I spoke there in March 2023, Antifa foot soldiers vandalized the school, smashed windows, and clashed with police,” Kirk remarked, indicating a troubling trend of hostility. He called for accountability, insisting that failure to address the actions of the protesters might embolden radical groups to further disrupt conservative gatherings.
Community Reaction
The incident has drawn broader attention, including commentary from high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, who took to social media to condemn the violence, labeling the left as “the party of violence & hate.” Following the event, Tatum shared a video showing him responding to the disturbance, captioned, “This is what mostly peaceful looks like.”
Kirk has urged UC Davis to uphold the principles of free speech and assembly essential to a public university’s mission. He further pressed for a federal investigation into the university’s eligibility for federal funding if it fails to protect these rights, reflecting rising concerns over campus safety and free expression in academic settings.
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