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The California Report

PHOTOS: Yiannopoulos' Supporters and Protesters Face Off in Berkeley

KQED News Staff
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A Donald Trump supporter and Milo Yiannopoulos protester faced off outside the security perimeter leading to Sproul Plaza.  (Sheraz Sadiq/KQED)

Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos spoke to about 100 supporters at UC Berkeley’s Sproul Plaza on Sunday, though organizers of the event he’d been scheduled to speak at — "Free Speech Week" — had canceled it.

Yiannopoulos, a former Breitbart News columnist, gave autographs, took selfies and chatted with supporters -- then left after about 30 minutes. He did not give a formal speech — nor did any of the other promised speakers. His supporters and opponents remained after he left, trading barbs with one another, and some marched in the Berkeley streets afterward.

The event was not what it had been billed to be. A student group, Berkeley Patriot, had for months said it would hold a week full of speeches hosting controversial conservative speakers. But on Friday, members of the group told KQED that they were calling it off.

Still, police had prepared for a big crowd with barricades limiting access to Sproul Plaza. Here are photos of some of the action on Sunday.

Supporters of Milo Yiannopoulos outside the entrance to Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus.
Supporters of Milo Yiannopoulos outside the entrance to Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus. (Sheraz Sadiq/KQED)
Police in formation on Bancroft Way ahead of expected protests. UC Berkeley police estimate today's security costs at roughly $800,000.
Milo Yiannopoulos supporters gathered outside the entrance to Sproul Plaza. The right-wing provocateur showed up later and spoke briefly with a small group before leaving. (Sheraz Sadiq/KQED)
Barricades and strict safety policies were in place ahead of Milo Yiannopoulos' appearance. UCPD later held a press conference discussing today's costs and security for future events. (Don Clyde/KQED)
Milo Yiannopoulos appeared briefly on the UC Berkeley campus and did not give a formal speech. He later posted on social media about today's events, ending a Facebook post with, “See you back in Berkeley next year.” (Don Clyde/KQED)
Performers Milo Metropolis and Jan Trollter with Arts Resistance were giving an impromptu performance near Sproul Hall. (Sheraz Sadiq/KQED)
Protesters chanting "D-A-C-A, immigrants are here to stay" and other mottos moved around campus and the city. (Sheraz Sadiq/KQED)
Crowds dispersed through the city after Yiannopoulos left. Protesters occupied the intersection of Bancroft and Telegraph. (Don Clyde/KQED)
UCPD Chief Margo Bennett and Cal spokesman Dan Mogulof speak at press conference on campus. Bennett said UCPD did not ask Yiannopoulos to leave, which is contrary to what Yiannopoulos said in a Facebook post, and that he left voluntarily. (Sheraz Sadiq/KQED)

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