7 arrested during protest over Ann Coulter visit in Berkeley

BERKELEY, Calif. -- At least seven people were arrested as hundreds of protesters gathered on the University of California at Berkeley campus Wednesday evening to protest a speaking appearance by conservative author Ann Coulter.

University spokesperson Dan Mogulof said as of about 10 p.m. that he did not know what the protesters were arrested for. One of the protesters was arrested inside the event.

The protesters started gathering outside Wheeler Hall at about 7 p.m. The event was scheduled to begin inside at 8 p.m.

"Ann Coulter out of the bay, immigrants are here to stay," the demonstrators chanted.

The protesters swarmed around orange barricades outside the building, blocking the only entrance and trying to prevent attendees from getting in.

Some people attending waded through the hostile crowd looking for a way in, while protesters pointed and yelled, "don't let them in!"

Many did manage to get inside by hopping the barricades with the assistance of police. Mogulof could not provide attendance figures as it was not a campus-organized event. The event was organized by the Berkeley College Republicans.

At least one person needed medical assistance. A person suffered an apparent medical issue. A man was carried out from inside the barricades and taken away in a medic cart, but Mogulof did not know if they were the same person.

Another speaking event organized by the campus Republicans featuring Milo Yiannopoulos was violently shut down by protesters in 2017.