Crime & Safety
5 Arrested By Berkeley Police At Protest
Thursday's activity surrounded the on again-off again speech by Conservative firebrand Ann Coulter.
BERKELEY, CA — Berkeley Police say they arrested five people Thursday during demonstrations over the canceled speech by conservative commentator Ann Coulter. Three of the arrests were made in Civic Center Park, one in Ohlone Park and one downtown. In addition, several weapons were seized.
No chants, no chaos this hour at UCB's Sproul plaza. Police at the ready though for anti-Coulter protestors @FOX40 pic.twitter.com/a9LoiK68J6
— Sonseeahray Tonsall (@tonsalltv) April 27, 2017
University of California Police also made arrests, but details are not readily available.
The word that normal operations had resumed was made came at 9:11 p.m., more than 8 hours after the demonstrations began.
Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I'd venture there are more police & media at this alt-right rally than trump supporters — ~30 at civic center park pic.twitter.com/yqbRXIc8BT
— Alex Yoon-Hendricks (@ayoonhendricks) April 27, 2017
"Mass gatherings of any kind attract a broad variety of people and, inevitably, that means an array of different motives and intentions," officials said. "If you are at a demonstration and you see violence, separate yourself. Keep a distance from violence. If you can do so safely, report it to police."
On Sproul Plaza: barricades up, buildings closed. No action (so far). pic.twitter.com/hKvMsAyRaV
— Berkeleyside (@berkeleyside) April 27, 2017
UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks and Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín released a joint statement Thursday, saying they tried to find a way to ensure safety in the wake of Coulter's speech, but ultimately heeded the advice of city police who did not believe the event would be "protectable." The two also wanted to make it clear that Coulter canceled her speech, choosing not to take the university up on its offer to hold the event at a later date when they say they could ensure safety.
Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
>>Previous: Ann Coulter Cancels Berkeley Speech
Berkeley residents gathering to send their own message today- violence is not welcome here. pic.twitter.com/AdFife4h0f
— Amy Hollyfield (@amyhollyfield) April 27, 2017
University Police clamped down on access to Sproul Plaza with the message, "UCPD has designated Sproul Plaza as an event area. Access is limited. Those wishing to enter may be subject to search for restricted items including but not limited to: weapons (real and simulated), improvised weapons, tasers, hard plastic/metal/bottles, chains, banners/signs, explosive and incendiary devices. Masks are also prohibited."
Campus police are equipped with zip-tie handcuffs pic.twitter.com/s9UHHs19zV
— Susie Steimle (@SusieSteimle) April 27, 2017
"We will work to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute anyone who commits crimes in our community," city officials said.
Stay safe at protests: separate yourself from violence; don't get baited by provocateurs. More --> https://t.co/Lr6iZbMFse
— City of Berkeley (@CityofBerkeley) April 27, 2017
Berkeley Police released this list of suspects arrested:
- Mark Wilder, Male, 52 years old, Irving, CA carrying a concealed dirk/dagger (Downtown Berkeley)
- Juvenile, possession of a controlled substance (Ohlone Park)
- To be identified person, resisting arrest (Civic Center Park)
- Donque Addison, Male, 28 years, Oakland, CA, resisting arrest (Civic Center Park)
- Stephen Hall, Male, 48, Oakland, CA, attempting to incite a riot/violation of probation (Civic Center Park)
Bay City News contributed to this report.
Image Via Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images News / Getty Images
