Trump supporters, protesters clash in California
(CNN) – At least 21 people were arrested as Trump supporters and opponents clashed on Saturday at a park in Berkeley, California, police said.
Eleven people were injured, with seven transported to the hospital in unknown condition, Berkeley Police spokesman Byron White told CNN.
“A large number of fights have occurred and numerous fireworks have been thrown in the crowds,” Berkeley police said in a statement. “There have also been numerous reports of pepper spray being used in the crowd.”
CNN affiliate KPIX reported that Trump supporters planned a “Patriot Day” rally at noon and counter-protesters showed up a few hours earlier.
A police officer was treated and released from a hospital after someone threw either pepper spray or tear gas into the crowd, White said. He added that a person in the crowd was treated and released after being sprayed with “bear spray,” an irritant spray used to deter aggressive bears in wilderness areas.
An even larger protest erupted in February when people took to the streets to protest an appearance by right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos at UC Berkeley. The university said more than $100,000 in damage was done.
In early March, 10 people were arrested when pro- and anti-Trump groups fought in Berkeley.
Protests were held in dozens of cities across the United States on Saturday for the anti-Trump “Tax Day,” but the Berkeley rally was about free speech, according to local news reports.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Fights broke out on Saturday during pro- and anti-Trump protests in Berkeley, California. Photo: CNN
Inset: Protesters clash in Berkeley, California, on Saturday. Photo: CNN
SOURCE: CNN written by Ralph Ellis and Tony Marco
Comments
