Conservative student attacked, punched on Berkeley campus


A field representative for a conservative students group was attacked at the University of California Berkeley, sustaining multiple punches to the face.

Leadership Institute field rep Hayden Williams was hit repeatedly by an unidentified campus-goer, who referred to Williams as a “racist little inbred b**ch.”
According to Campus Reform, who obtained video of the attack, the assailant also claimed he would shoot Williams.

At the time of the attack, Williams was helping student activists recruit other students for Turning Point USA, standing behind a sign that said “Hate Crime Hoaxes Hurt Real Victims,” a reference to actor Jussie Smollett, who is believed to have fabricated a hate crime in Chicago.

Williams was later attacked by a second individual accusing the conservative students of “encouraging violence.” During the attack, onlookers refrained from stepping in.

“Some students nearby tabling were laughing, even one guy was smiling while I was being attacked and trying to hand me his flyer as a joke,” one victim said. “The idea is free speech has consequences…. which include you getting assaulted if they find you promoting ideas others don’t agree with.”

One student later noted that the group’s signs and pins were destroyed by some of the assailants.

“As I approached the table I could see our TPUSA pins all over the floor, our signs were torn apart, Hayden’s eye was red, and his nose was bleeding,” the student said.

UC-Berkeley Office of Communications and Public Affairs Assistant Vice Chancellor Dan Mogulof said that he has not seen confirmation of the incident, but does not condone the behavior of the attackers.

“Let me state in no uncertain terms that this university strongly condemns violence and harassment of any sort, for any reason. That sort of behavior is reprehensible and intolerable,” Mogulof said. “We have, in recent years, spent millions of dollars to ensure that students from across the ideological/political spectrum can safely and successfully promote and discuss their beliefs. Our commitment to freedom of expression and belief is unwavering.”

On social media, several students applauded the attackers and mocked the TPUSA workers.

UC Police are currently trying to identify the suspects involved.

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