UC Berkeley is preparing for a high-profile event on November 10 hosted by the conservative group Turning Point USA, the first on a California campus since the organization's founder, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated two months ago. University officials remain tight-lipped on specific security measures but confirm extensive planning is underway to balance free speech with campus safety.
The event, which concludes the organization's "American Comeback Tour," has renewed a fierce debate on college campuses about political violence and the role of universities in protecting controversial speakers. For the student organizers at Berkeley, the event is a tribute to their late founder and a test of the university's commitment to open discourse.
Key Takeaways
- Turning Point USA will hold its final tour event at UC Berkeley on November 10, following the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk in September.
- The university is implementing heightened security protocols, though specific details are not being released to the public.
- The event has sparked a campus-wide conversation about free speech, safety, and the presence of conservative groups at the historically progressive university.
- Student organizers report a significant increase in membership for the Berkeley chapter of Turning Point USA since Kirk's death.
A Campus on High Alert
Following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, the University of California system has re-evaluated its security protocols for major events. In a letter to all chancellors, UC President James B. Milliken called for an immediate review of existing procedures.
"The murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University was a reminder that we must always remain vigilant," Milliken stated in the September 23 letter. "Universities are places where civil discussion and debate can and should occur, without the fear or threat of harm."
The letter recommended that campuses consider indoor venues, mandatory bag checks, and ticket scanning to mitigate risks. At UC Berkeley, officials are adhering to these guidelines for the November 10 event, which will be held at Zellerbach Hall, a venue with a capacity of nearly 2,000.
Dan Mogulof, a spokesperson for UC Berkeley, confirmed the university is following its major events policy, which requires the campus police department (UCPD) to develop security plans on a case-by-case basis. However, he declined to provide specific details about the measures for the Turning Point USA event.
Security Measures at Other Tour Stops
Previous stops on the "American Comeback Tour" have seen enhanced security. At Virginia Tech, attendees faced metal detectors and were prohibited from bringing bags. The University of Oklahoma chapter paid for additional campus police presence at its event.
Capt. Sabrina Reich of the UCPD stated that the department conducts safety assessments using "best practices and in coordination with campus partners" and will "take whatever measures are deemed necessary to have a safe and successful event."
A Personal Mission for Student Organizers
For John Paul Leon, a junior and the president of Berkeley's Turning Point USA chapter, organizing this event has become a deeply personal mission. He had been planning the visit since June and knew Kirk personally, having met him several times.
Leon recalled the day of Kirk's assassination as "possibly the craziest day of my college experience." The Berkeley chapter was scheduled to announce Kirk's visit that very evening. "As I was spreading the word, I got sent the video of the shooting," Leon said. "My first reaction was ‘that has to be AI, no way,’… it was just completely tragic to see."
Instead of a celebration, the chapter held a vigil. The tragedy, however, appears to have galvanized support for the group on campus. Leon reported that chapter membership has grown significantly since September. While prior meetings drew around 30 students, over 100 attended the vigil, and the smallest meeting this semester still had 60 attendees.
The "American Comeback Tour" Continues
After a brief pause, the tour resumed with prominent conservative figures like Vice President JD Vance and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The Berkeley event will feature comedian Rob Schneider and Christian apologist Frank Turek, who was a mentor to Kirk and was present during the assassination.
The original plan for Berkeley included an outdoor "Prove Me Wrong" style debate with Kirk, a format he was known for. This was canceled after his death, and the main program was moved indoors for security reasons. "(Kirk) said that we need to continue the conversations, because when we stop talking, that’s when violence happens," Leon shared, emphasizing his commitment to dialogue.
Free Speech and Political Tensions at Berkeley
UC Berkeley, the birthplace of the 1960s Free Speech Movement, has long been a center for progressive activism. The upcoming event has forced students and faculty to confront the university's legacy in the context of modern political polarization.
Some students have noted a shift in campus climate since Kirk's death. Miguel Muñiz, president of the Berkeley College Republicans, said his members have become more willing to "be public with what they think." He believes the tragedy has prompted some to look more closely at conservative ideas, leading to what he sees as a potential "movement that has started."
However, many on campus remain critical of Turning Point USA's ideology. Kirk was known for controversial stances on social issues, which critics labeled as racist and misogynistic. Sophomore Jackie Campion described the group's ideology as "unhealthy" but acknowledged their right to speak on campus under the principles of free speech.
Berkeley law professor Jonathan Simon noted the challenge for the university. While acknowledging Kirk's divisive rhetoric, he stressed the importance of dialogue with potential counter-protestors. "You need to be in dialogue well before the protests happen with the groups that are likely to be involved in it," Simon advised.
Interestingly, some progressive student groups have decided not to engage directly. Leela Mehta-Harwitz, a chair for UC Berkeley’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter, said her organization has no plans to protest. "Turning Point USA is famous for clip farming," she explained. "They’re well-known for getting inflammatory clips that deliberately paint left-wing activists in a bad light. We’re not interested in being fodder for their social media cycle."
Navigating a Complex Landscape
The university administration finds itself in a delicate position, tasked with upholding constitutional rights while ensuring the physical safety of its community. Susan Hyde, a political science professor at Berkeley, emphasized that even speech considered offensive is protected under the First Amendment.
"We strive to be a campus where people can listen to ideas that they disagree with, they can listen to ideas that they even find offensive, and still understand that this is part of our constitutionally protected rights," Hyde said. She believes that respectful engagement with different viewpoints is a core part of the university's mission.
As November 10 approaches, the campus community is watching closely. The event is more than just a speaking engagement; it is a test of Berkeley's ability to facilitate difficult conversations in an era marked by deep political division and the looming threat of violence.
