http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/At-Berkeley-Yiannopoulos-protest-100-000-in-10905217.php
At Berkeley Yiannopoulos protest, $100,000 in damage, 1 arrest
Updated 10:22 pm, Thursday, February 2, 2017
Unrest on the UC Berkeley campus Wednesday resulted in $100,000 in damage and just one arrest, officials said.
The university Thursday defended the hands-off approach of its police force in the midst of the chaos that broke out after a group of 150 or so black-clad, masked people hijacked a previously peaceful protest against a far-right provocateur, Milo Yiannopoulos, who had been scheduled to speak at UC Berkeley’s student center Wednesday night. The protest forced officials to cancel Yiannopoulos’ appearance.
Six minor injuries were reported in the fray, said Dan Mogulof, a spokesman for the university, and the one arrest was for failure to disperse.
In the city of Berkeley south of the campus, where protesters later paraded through the streets, some smashing store windows — about 15 in all — and spraying graffiti, there were no arrests, said Officer Byron White, a spokesman for the Berkeley Police Department.
White added that officers, even with extra staffing planned for the evening, were kept busy shutting off roads from protesters darting through traffic, saying that the department’s main priority was “the protection of life,” even if that meant some vandalism. No major injuries were reported, White noted.
A portable light unit burns after protesters forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
A portable light unit burns after protesters forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Black Bloc members arrive before right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Black Bloc members arrive before right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Demonstrators force the cancellation of talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Demonstrators force the cancellation of talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
A portable light unit burns after demonstrations forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
A portable light unit burns after demonstrations forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
FILE - Milo Yiannopoulos, the polarizing Breitbart News editor, speaks at California Polytechnic State University as part of his "The Dangerous Faggot Tour" of college campuses, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in San Luis Obispo, Calif. less
FILE - Milo Yiannopoulos, the polarizing Breitbart News editor, speaks at California Polytechnic State University as part of his "The Dangerous Faggot Tour" of college campuses, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in San ... more
Photo: David Middlecamp, AP
A protester dances near a burning portable light unit after a demonstration forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
A protester dances near a burning portable light unit after a demonstration forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
A protester walks near a burning portable light unit after a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was was cancelled after a demonstration in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
A protester walks near a burning portable light unit after a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was was cancelled after a demonstration in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
A member of the Black Bloc holds a section of security fencing as demonstrations forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. less
A member of the Black Bloc holds a section of security fencing as demonstrations forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, ... more
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Members of the Black Bloc demonstrate forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Members of the Black Bloc demonstrate forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
University of California at Berkeley police guard the building where Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos was to speak Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. A small group of people with their faces covered broke windows, hurled fireworks at police officers and threw smoke bombs, prompting UC Berkeley officials to cancel Yiannopoulos's talk Wednesday evening. less
University of California at Berkeley police guard the building where Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos was to speak Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. A small group of people with their faces ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, AP
UC Berkeley students watch a portable light unit burn after a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was cancelled after demonstration in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
UC Berkeley students watch a portable light unit burn after a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was cancelled after demonstration in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Damage to UC Berkeley Student Union that forced the cancellation of talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Damage to UC Berkeley Student Union that forced the cancellation of talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
A bonfire set by demonstrators protesting a scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos burns on Sproul Plaza on the University of California at Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The event was canceled out of safety concerns after protesters hurled smoke bombs, broke windows and started a bonfire. less
A bonfire set by demonstrators protesting a scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos burns on Sproul Plaza on the University of California at Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, AP
People protesting controversial Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos take to the streets on February 1, 2017 in Berkeley, California. A scheduled speech by Yiannopoulos was cancelled after protesters and police engaged in violent skirmishes. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) less
People protesting controversial Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos take to the streets on February 1, 2017 in Berkeley, California. A scheduled speech by Yiannopoulos was cancelled after protesters and police ... more
Photo: Elijah Nouvelage, Getty Images
Protester speaks to police posted on the balcony of MLK Student Union on Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Protester speaks to police posted on the balcony of MLK Student Union on Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
Protesters against a scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of California at Berkeley campus march on Telegraph Avenue Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. A small group of people with their faces covered broke windows, hurled fireworks at police officers and threw smoke bombs, prompting UC Berkeley officials to cancel Yiannopoulos's talk Wednesday evening. less
Protesters against a scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of California at Berkeley campus march on Telegraph Avenue Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, AP
Protesters on Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Protesters on Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
A leafless tree provides a canopy to protesters, some starting a fire of trash cans in the middle of Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif. Later, other protesters put the fire out to cheers. less
A leafless tree provides a canopy to protesters, some starting a fire of trash cans in the middle of Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif. Later, other protesters put the fire out to ... more
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
Protesters march on on Telegraph Ave., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Protesters march on on Telegraph Ave., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
Protesters on Telegraph Ave. and Durant on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Protesters on Telegraph Ave. and Durant on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
Members of the Black Bloc prepare to throw security barriers through the windows of the UC Berkeley Student Union forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. less
Members of the Black Bloc prepare to throw security barriers through the windows of the UC Berkeley Student Union forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, ... more
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Members of the Black Bloc demonstrate forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Members of the Black Bloc demonstrate forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Members of the Black Bloc prepare to throw security barriers through the windows of the UC Berkeley Student Union forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. less
Members of the Black Bloc prepare to throw security barriers through the windows of the UC Berkeley Student Union forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, ... more
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Members of the Black Bloc tear down security fencing forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Members of the Black Bloc tear down security fencing forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Members of the Black Bloc demonstrate forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Members of the Black Bloc demonstrate forcing the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Berkeley Police stand inside the Student Union as demonstrators force the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Berkeley Police stand inside the Student Union as demonstrators force the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
A hat with President Donald Trump's presidential campaign slogan on it is set ablaze during a rally against a scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of California at Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The event was canceled out of safety concerns after protesters hurled smoke bombs, broke windows and started a bonfire. less
A hat with President Donald Trump's presidential campaign slogan on it is set ablaze during a rally against a scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, AP
Protesters watch a bonfire on Sproul Plaza during a rally against the scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of California at Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The event was canceled out of safety concerns after protesters hurled smoke bombs, broke windows and started a bonfire. less
Protesters watch a bonfire on Sproul Plaza during a rally against the scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of California at Berkeley campus on Wednesday, ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, AP
A portable light unit burns after protesters forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
A portable light unit burns after protesters forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Protesters demonstrate before right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Protesters demonstrate before right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
A portable light unit burns after protesters forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
A portable light unit burns after protesters forced the cancellation of a talk by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif., on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Protestors watch a bonefire on Sproul Plaza during a rally against the scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of California at Berkeley campus on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The event was canceled out of safety concerns after protesters hurled smoke bombs, broke windows and started a bonfire. less
Protestors watch a bonefire on Sproul Plaza during a rally against the scheduled speaking appearance by Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on the University of California at Berkeley campus on Wednesday, ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, AP
Protesters showed up at the UC Berkeley campus to object to a speaking engagement by Breitbart editor, Milo Yiannopoulos.
Protesters showed up at the UC Berkeley campus to object to a speaking engagement by Breitbart editor, Milo Yiannopoulos.
Protesters showed up at the UC Berkeley campus to object to a speaking engagement by Breitbart editor, Milo Yiannopoulos.
Protesters showed up at the UC Berkeley campus to object to a speaking engagement by Breitbart editor, Milo Yiannopoulos.
People march in front of Sproul Hall to protest the appearance of Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The University of California at Berkeley is bracing for major protests Wednesday against Milo Yiannopoulos, a polarizing Breitbart News editor, on the last stop of a tour aimed at defying what he calls an epidemic of political correctness on college campuses. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) less
People march in front of Sproul Hall to protest the appearance of Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The University of California at Berkeley is bracing for ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, STF
Aerial shots show the extent of the crowds and a fire that broke out at Sproul Plaza on Wednesday night, as people protested a talk by Milo Yiannopoulos. The event was later canceled as protesters broke through protective barriers.
lessAerial shots show the extent of the crowds and a fire that broke out at Sproul Plaza on Wednesday night, as people protested a talk by Milo Yiannopoulos. The event was later canceled as protesters broke through
... morePeople protest the appearance of Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The University of California at Berkeley is bracing for major protests Wednesday against Milo Yiannopoulos, a polarizing Breitbart News editor, on the last stop of a tour aimed at defying what he calls an epidemic of political correctness on college campuses. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) less
People protest the appearance of Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Berkeley, Calif. The University of California at Berkeley is bracing for major protests Wednesday against ... more
Photo: Ben Margot, STF
In front of Sproul Hall, protesters group on Berkeley campus an on Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
In front of Sproul Hall, protesters group on Berkeley campus an on Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
A protesters dumps a trash can in the middle of Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
A protesters dumps a trash can in the middle of Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
"I hate this normalization of Facisim" said this protester on Telegraph Ave., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
"I hate this normalization of Facisim" said this protester on Telegraph Ave., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
A protester displays his newly painted flag on Telegraph Ave.,3 Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
A protester displays his newly painted flag on Telegraph Ave.,3 Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
Protesters on Berkeley campus, 2Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Protesters on Berkeley campus, 2Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
A vandal defaces ATM's on Durant Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
A vandal defaces ATM's on Durant Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
Protesters dance on Durant Ave., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Protesters dance on Durant Ave., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
In front of Sproul Hall, protesters group on Berkeley campus an on Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
In front of Sproul Hall, protesters group on Berkeley campus an on Telegraph Ave. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Berkeley, Calif.
Photo: Paul Kuroda, Special To The Chronicle
Wells Fargo ATM machines are destroyed at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on the UC Berkeley campus turned violent. less
Wells Fargo ATM machines are destroyed at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
George Christian (left) and Gil Sanchez remove graffiti from the campus entrance at Oxford and Center streets in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
George Christian (left) and Gil Sanchez remove graffiti from the campus entrance at Oxford and Center streets in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A man leaves the lobby of the Chase Bank branch at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 which was heavily damaged after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A man leaves the lobby of the Chase Bank branch at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 which was heavily damaged after Wednesday night's planned protest against an ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A university police officer photographs damage to the Student Union building at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A university police officer photographs damage to the Student Union building at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Tim Pine, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, spreads an absorbent material on the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was set on fire by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
Tim Pine, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, spreads an absorbent material on the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was set on fire ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Andy Ng (left) and Frank Vavounas, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, clean up the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was set on fire by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
Andy Ng (left) and Frank Vavounas, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, clean up the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was set on ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A plastic sign that was melted by intense heat from a fire set last night, hangs in front of the Student Union at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 which was the flashpoint of Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus that eventually turned violent. less
A plastic sign that was melted by intense heat from a fire set last night, hangs in front of the Student Union at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 which was the flashpoint of Wednesday night's planned ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Tim Pine (left) and Frank Vavounas, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, spreads an absorbent material on the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was set on fire by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
Tim Pine (left) and Frank Vavounas, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, spreads an absorbent material on the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Frank Vavounas (left) and Andy Ng, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, clean up the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was set on fire by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
Frank Vavounas (left) and Andy Ng, from the university's Environmental Health and Safety department, clean up the remains of a charred portable light at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was set on ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Temporary barricades surrounding a burned section of Sproul Plaza are removed at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
Temporary barricades surrounding a burned section of Sproul Plaza are removed at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Students hang a banner from the second floor balcony of the Student Union at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 which was the flashpoint of Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus that eventually turned violent. less
Students hang a banner from the second floor balcony of the Student Union at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 which was the flashpoint of Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A window of the Student Union is shattered at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent.
A window of the Student Union is shattered at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Students walk past a portable light on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was burned by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
Students walk past a portable light on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was burned by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Andy Rivera sweeps up remain9ing shards of glass from the Chase Bank lobby at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on the UC Berkeley campus turned violent. less
Andy Rivera sweeps up remain9ing shards of glass from the Chase Bank lobby at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
George Christian removes graffiti from the campus entrance at Oxford and Center streets in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
George Christian removes graffiti from the campus entrance at Oxford and Center streets in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Kim Au power washes the steps of Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent by vandals. less
Kim Au power washes the steps of Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Graffiti remains on a glass window on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
Graffiti remains on a glass window on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A woman walks past graffiti sprayed on the Bank of America branch at Telegraph and Durant avenues in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A woman walks past graffiti sprayed on the Bank of America branch at Telegraph and Durant avenues in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A portable light that was burned by vandals remains on Sproul Plaza before sunrise at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A portable light that was burned by vandals remains on Sproul Plaza before sunrise at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A rain-soaked flyer about Wednesday night's event remains on the sidewalk in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after a planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A rain-soaked flyer about Wednesday night's event remains on the sidewalk in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after a planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A student walks past damaged Bank of America ATM machines at Telegraph and Durant avenues in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A student walks past damaged Bank of America ATM machines at Telegraph and Durant avenues in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
UC Berkeley students clean up debris at Oxford and Center streets in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. The students organized a Facebook event to clean up the campus and downtown. less
UC Berkeley students clean up debris at Oxford and Center streets in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A group of runners jog past a portable light on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was burned by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A group of runners jog past a portable light on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was burned by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
A student walks past a portable light on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was burned by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on campus turned violent. less
A student walks past a portable light on Sproul Plaza at UC Berkeley on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 that was burned by vandals after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Nina Lopatina snaps a photo of Wells Fargo ATM machines that are destroyed at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an appearance by Breitbart writer Milo Yiannopoulos on the UC Berkeley campus turned violent. less
Nina Lopatina snaps a photo of Wells Fargo ATM machines that are destroyed at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in Berkeley, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 after Wednesday night's planned protest against an ... more
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
Mogulof said that while dozens of officers were called in throughout the University of California system, the “paramilitary force that showed up with weapons” was an “unprecedented event” that upended security plans.
“We know we’re always going to be second-guessed, and there’s always going to be Monday-morning quarterbacking about what happened,” Mogulof said.
President Trump weighed in on Twitter, tweeting: “If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?”
The masked vandals, most, if not all, said to be from outside the campus, shut down Yiannopoulos’ talk before it started.
Wearing “ungovernable” logos adorned on all-black jumpsuits, with bandannas and masks covering their faces, the self-described anarchists struck with near-military precision.
They crept out of the crowd as dusk set in outside the three rows of zip-tied fencing that police set up, trying to prevent a repeat of the scene at UC Davis, when Yiannopoulos was prevented from speaking in January. In ones and twos, and then all at once, the vandals ripped the fencing down, daring the dozens of police behind the barrier to do something about it.
As Yiannopoulos waited inside the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union, still more than two hours before he was supposed to take the stage, the police fell back inside the building under fire from Molotov cocktails, bricks and a host of other makeshift weapons.
“Very often when police have waded into large crowds, the situation can get out of control very quickly,” Mogulof said of why police didn’t confront protesters, adding that the risk was too high of many innocent protesters getting injured if police were to use force.
All the while, the vast majority of the crowd was peaceful, many of them students, wearing jeans and hoodies, not the “paramilitary” gear, clutching cardboard signs bashing Yiannopoulos, of the far-right publication Breitbart News, as hateful, as dangerous, as cruel. Many of the onlookers had never seen anything of the sort in Berkeley before, where protests are plentiful, but generally peaceful.
As police watched from skirmish lines on the other side of the student center’s glass, the hooded figures wreaked their work, throwing pieces of discarded metal fencing through the glass windows and shooting flares at the building.
Many of those flares and fireworks narrowly missed other protesters who were dancing peacefully in the middle of the chaos, bopping their heads to a booming speaker system that someone brought into the plaza.
After a spell, officers emerged on the second-floor balcony, saying over a loudspeaker that Yiannopoulos was gone, repeatedly threatening to use force that never came.
In speeches on other campuses, Yiannopoulos has publicly outed trans students, and he has ridiculed the Black Lives Matter movement and a host of other left-leaning organizations.
Mogulof said the department had multiple investigations ongoing, saying police were “not done with these incidents yet,” adding that “we believe deeply there should be consequences for violations of the law.”
Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley
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