A conservative student group was violently targeted at the University of California, Davis on Thursday, as masked protesters attacked members of Turning Point USA, destroying equipment and assaulting staff.
The incident occurred shortly before the group was set to host its “Prove Me Wrong” event featuring Brandon Tatum. As the event got underway, chaos unfolded. “While our people were under attack, police stood aside and did nothing,” wrote Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on X. “Our team is understandably shaken up, but they assure me they will not back down.”
“Prove Me Wrong” Event Descends into Mayhem
Turning Point USA at UC Davis had secured Brandon Tatum, a former police officer and popular conservative YouTuber—to speak at 1 p.m. However, about an hour prior to the event, roughly 30 protesters approached the group’s tent and table.
According to the university, “The UC Davis Police Department took one report of an assault. No one requested medical aid. The event with the guest speaker took place on schedule and was completed without further incident. The university protected the free speech rights of the campus community throughout the event.”
But footage from the scene told a different story. Demonstrators tore down signage, flipped tables, and engaged in physical altercations with those staffing the event.
“The Most Militant School in the Country”
Videos posted online show protesters holding a banner with “ACAB”, an acronym for “All Cops Are Bastards” as they approached the TPUSA setup.
Charlie Kirk, pointing to UC Davis’ history of aggressive demonstrations, claimed, “When I spoke there in March of 2023, Antifa foot soldiers vandalized the school, smashed windows and fought the police. What we have is a pattern, with no signs of improvement.”
He labeled the campus the most militant school in the country, with the largest Antifa presence.
No Arrests Made, But Tensions Escalate
While no arrests were reported, one protester reportedly struck someone recording video, and others attempted to dismantle the event tent multiple times. Demonstrators engaged in shoving and later returned after an initial retreat.
Brandon Tatum posted footage online showing the moment protesters destroyed the tent. “This is what mostly peaceful looks like,” he wrote, capturing the chaos in stark contrast to the official university statement.
Elon Musk and Kirk Demand Accountability
The attack drew national attention, including a reaction from Elon Musk. “The left is the party of violence & hate,” he posted on X in response to the incident.
Kirk doubled down, calling for arrests: “more and more violence if they think doing so will stop conservatives from speaking.”
He also issued a warning to UC Davis, stating, “If they won’t, then the Trump Administration should investigate their continued receipt of federal taxpayer dollars.”
Free Speech Under Fire
The attack on Turning Point USA at UC Davis adds to a growing national debate about free speech on college campuses. While the university insists that the event concluded without further incident, critics argue that law enforcement’s lack of intervention only emboldens those willing to use violence for political suppression.
As Kirk emphasized, “Our team is understandably shaken up, but they assure me they will not back down.”
