Some conservative-minded individuals showed up and engaged in a public display of discourse—though it could be likened to observing a verbal ping-pong of talking points for the many sides involved.
A mass gathering would form roughly every 15 to 20 minutes, usually around an individual who would be accused of being aligned with the Alt-Right, white supremacy and/or fascism. A provocation gone too far would amount to an arrest by Berkeley PD who escorted the individuals outside the area to the shouts of “Nazi, Go Home” by the surrounding crowd.
When someone who looked like they were part of Antifa was arrested, there wasn’t as much clamor or commotion. In total, there were 13 arrests, mostly due to having prohibited items at the rally.
As members of Antifa arrived, Berkeley PD could be seen putting on their gas masks. Tear gas and pepper spray filled the air for a short period of time.
Members of Antifa were relatively calm (except when they weren’t). They demanded that photographers not photograph them in a public setting. One video journalist’s camera was damaged with green paint despite not even filming.
A “Make America Great Again” hat was set on fire.
Outside a handful of skirmishes, the event wasn’t all that violent or chaotic. But the abnormally high tension that was universally felt was a stark reminder of how far this country has to go to properly heal.