CALIFORNIA—The University of California at Berkeley student, Hayden Williams, was attacked while recruiting for the conservative group, Turning Point USA.
“This person claimed we were promoting violence on campus and proceeded to take his aggression out on us,” Hayden Williams told Fox News pundit, Sean Hannity, in an interview on February 21. The incident was captured on cell phone video.”
Police are in search of the individual in the video responsible for the attack. Williams told Hannity that the suspect took offense to a sign that read, “Hate crime hoaxes hurt real victims.” Bystanders reported that there was also a sign that read, “This is MAGA country.”
Video footage shows the suspect advancing on Williams while shouting profanities at him. Williams is now sporting a black eye from the attack.
Williams told Hannity, he does have evidence and eyewitnesses that he did not provoke the attack. His phone was knocked out of his hand. Another student recorded it.
Williams, who was recruiting for Turning Point USA was not actually a member. Turning Point USA provides training for conservative groups.
UCPD Berkeley sent out a request for more information condemning the violence on campus on Sproul Plaza earlier in the week.
“Let there be no mistake, we strongly condemn violence and harassment of any sort, for any reason. That sort of behavior is intolerable and has no place here. Our commitment to freedom of expression and belief is unwavering. At this point, we have no information indicating that the perpetrators are affiliated with the university, and I join our police department in urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, so we can apprehend and bring the perpetrator to justice.
I want to make sure everyone is aware of services available on campus if you are in any way affected by these incidents. Students can find resources here. Faculty and staff can find resources here.” The message was signed by both Carol Christ Chancellor, and Stephen C. Sutton, Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs.
