Pro and anti-Trump demonstrators clashed in Berkeley on Saturday. The Police revealed that 15 people have been arrested in the clash. Reports indicate that two simultaneous demonstrations were planned for Civic Center Park.
The Center Street and Allston Way between Milvia Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way are reported to have been taken over by the demonstration. The clash also caused the downtown Berkeley BART station to be closed.
Authorities also said that a large number of fights have occurred and numerous fireworks had been thrown in the crowds. The crowd was also reported to have used pepper spray.
The photos captured from the scene on Saturday morning revealed that police were dressed in riot gear.
The police also informed demonstrators about a long list of items that were banned from the event, such as metal pipes, baseball bats and poles. The officers from Oakland managed to come to the city's aid.
City officials pointed out that organizers had promoted Saturday's gathering as a follow-up to an non-permitted March 4 demonstration. The previous demonstration saw numerous people hurt due to violence.
The city officials revealed that ten people were arrested for their roles in the events, and other arrests are being actively pursued. The officials also indicated that no one had applied for or obtained a permit for Saturdays event, and as a result, anyone at the park will be subject to these rules.
The situation intensified after the demonstration began to move away from the park toward Center Street. A senior editor for Mother Jones magazine who is known as Shane Bauer posted a video that showed clashes breaking out between the two opposing groups and also showed police reacting to the crowds.
The police managed to confiscate a number of prohibited items from protesters. Berkeley has witnessed such protests in the past. Back on the 10th of March, individuals were arrested after anti-Trump protesters became violent at the same location.
