Berkeley Pro-Trump Rally Cancelled, Violence Still Breaks Out

Thousands of protesters converged in Berkeley, California, Sunday for a "Rally Against Hate" in response to a planned right-wing rally. Trump detractors outnumbered supporter, surrounded them with chants of "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA!"

At least 14 arrests were made as Trump supporters and counter protesters clashed, according to the Los Angeles Times. The rival protests encountered each other at Martin Luther King Civic Center Park where various brief fights reportedly broke out.

The event took place blocks away from University of California's Berkeley campus. On the event's Facebook page, the counter-protestors called the rally "a celebration of differences."

"We're residents of the Bay Area -- people of color, working class people, immigrants, queer, lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people, liberals, leftists, and others," the event read on Facebook. "We think it's time to get together, to celebrate our differences in solidarity, and peacefully speak out against the hateful currents in American society."

The post continued with a caution about the rally. "Fascists and white supremacists are meeting in Berkeley to try to intimidate us and incite violence."

Mixed signals surrounded the “No To Marxism” rally in Berkeley, which initally sought public support but was later urged to not show up. The event's organizer opposed the strict regulations created by local enforcement that required attendees to undergo searches for weapons and water bottles, among other items.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin also requested that citizens avoid the "No Marxism in America" rally, according to Bay Area ABC affiliate station KGO. Officials reportedly denied the Trump supporters a permit to access the Martin Luther King Civic Center Park for their protest in a letter, which cited several reasons behind the rejection.

Amber Cummings, the transgender person behind no Marxism rally, initially said, "we also do not want violent people there. If anybody is coming with the intent of violence, do not come to my rally," according to Berkeleyside, an independent local publication. Cummings also claimed that this wouldn't be a right-wing affair, saying, "Anybody that supports the Constitution, supports our country and loves our people is welcome."

Cummings released a statement to the San Franciso Chronicle about the cancellationn, which cited "violent threats."

"In light of all the violent threats taking place and the past history of police being ordered to stand down at Prior Rallies in Berkeley this gives me grave concerns for the safety of the people attending my event," Cummings wrote.

Cummings vocalized her opposition towards hate groups in her events Facebook page, unlike other free speech rally organizers.

"I do not invite or condone anyone showing up to this event with the intent of starting violence," Cummings wrote in the event's Facebook description. "I also want to add I do not stand with any racist groups like the KKK , Neo Nazis, or any form of racist groups. You are not welcome at this event and please stay away."