The Berkeley Police Department, supported by officers from around the region, used de-escalation strategies throughout the day: separation of rival groups, confiscating weapons and arresting those carrying weapons in prohibited areas.
There have now been 20 arrests, most of them for possession of banned weapons in parks, and on streets and sidewalks. Dozens of weapons were confiscated.
Even though there were many hundreds of people, many of whom came armed and hostile, there were no significant injuries to anyone in the public or to City staff. The lack of injuries is fortunate given that extremists threw explosives at Berkeley Police and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office mutual aid officers. Berkeley Fire treated and released three members of the public for minor injuries.
This work would not have been possible without the significant mutual aid support of the following agencies: Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol and the Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro and Emeryville police departments.
There was significant damage to City property: An extremist element amongst a large group marched westbound by the Berkeley Way parking lot, smashing 21 city vehicles and slashing City vehicle tires, and setting one City vehicle on fire. Three minor dumpster fires were extinguished.
All roads are now open, and normal police operations have resumed.
Our investigation into any crimes will continue. We encourage members of the public to send us videos or photos, which you can upload at http://bit.ly/berkvideo.
The following is a partial list of arrestees. Some arrestees names have not yet been confirmed.
