A confrontation broke out at the University of California, Davis on Thursday, where a conservative student group says they were attacked by masked demonstrators ahead of a scheduled event.
The incident occurred during a “Prove me Wrong” session hosted by Turning Point USA at the Memorial Union Quad. The event, which featured guest speaker Brandon Tatum — a former police officer and well-known YouTube personality — took place as planned despite the disruption.
According to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, the altercation involved physical attacks on staff and the destruction of event property. “While our people were under attack, police stood aside and did nothing,” Kirk wrote on X. “Our team is understandably shaken up, but they assure me they will not back down.”
The university confirmed the disturbance in a statement, saying protestors confronted both the student organizers and others present. “The UC Davis Police Department took one report of an assault,” the school noted, adding that “no one requested medical aid.”
The disruption reportedly began about an hour before the 1 p.m. event, when approximately 30 individuals approached the area and began dismantling a tent, damaging signage, and flipping tables. One person was reportedly struck for recording the scene with a phone, while others engaged in pushing and shoving. After briefly leaving, the protestors returned and attempted to take down the tent again.
Despite the commotion, the event continued without further incident. No arrests have been made.
Footage shared online shows individuals carrying a banner with the acronym “ACAB,” which stands for “All Cops Are Bastards.” In another video, Tatum can be seen defending himself as protesters appear to tear down the tent and tables. “This is what mostly peaceful looks like,” he commented.
Elon Musk also weighed in on the incident, writing on X: “the left is the party of violence & hate.”
Kirk criticized the university’s handling of the situation, referencing a prior visit to UC Davis. “When I spoke there in March of 2023, Antifa foot soldiers vandalized the school, smashed windows and fought the police,” he said. “What we have is a pattern, with no signs of improvement.”
Calling for accountability, Kirk said, “Radical anarchists will resort to more and more violence if they think doing so will stop conservatives from speaking.” He urged the university to uphold the right to free speech and public assembly. “If they won’t, then the Trump Administration should investigate their continued receipt of federal taxpayer dollars.”
The incident occurred during a “Prove me Wrong” session hosted by Turning Point USA at the Memorial Union Quad. The event, which featured guest speaker Brandon Tatum — a former police officer and well-known YouTube personality — took place as planned despite the disruption.
According to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, the altercation involved physical attacks on staff and the destruction of event property. “While our people were under attack, police stood aside and did nothing,” Kirk wrote on X. “Our team is understandably shaken up, but they assure me they will not back down.”
The university confirmed the disturbance in a statement, saying protestors confronted both the student organizers and others present. “The UC Davis Police Department took one report of an assault,” the school noted, adding that “no one requested medical aid.”
Our "Prove Me Wrong" tabling event with @TheOfficerTatum at UC Davis was completely destroyed by violent protesters.
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) April 3, 2025
They stole the canopy, ripped down banners, smashed foam boards, and even tried to steal the iPad and laptop of a @tpusastudents field rep.
TPUSA students were… pic.twitter.com/VlBVOxX6ZU
The disruption reportedly began about an hour before the 1 p.m. event, when approximately 30 individuals approached the area and began dismantling a tent, damaging signage, and flipping tables. One person was reportedly struck for recording the scene with a phone, while others engaged in pushing and shoving. After briefly leaving, the protestors returned and attempted to take down the tent again.
Despite the commotion, the event continued without further incident. No arrests have been made.
Footage shared online shows individuals carrying a banner with the acronym “ACAB,” which stands for “All Cops Are Bastards.” In another video, Tatum can be seen defending himself as protesters appear to tear down the tent and tables. “This is what mostly peaceful looks like,” he commented.
Elon Musk also weighed in on the incident, writing on X: “the left is the party of violence & hate.”
Kirk criticized the university’s handling of the situation, referencing a prior visit to UC Davis. “When I spoke there in March of 2023, Antifa foot soldiers vandalized the school, smashed windows and fought the police,” he said. “What we have is a pattern, with no signs of improvement.”
Calling for accountability, Kirk said, “Radical anarchists will resort to more and more violence if they think doing so will stop conservatives from speaking.” He urged the university to uphold the right to free speech and public assembly. “If they won’t, then the Trump Administration should investigate their continued receipt of federal taxpayer dollars.”
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