June 14 protests: Officials 'urge everyone to remain peaceful'
Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii, City Manager Paul Buddenhagen and Police Chief Jennifer Louis issued the following statement at 8:40 p.m.
Editor's Note: The Scanner publishes guest essays from community members on issues of concern. The following statement appears below in full with minor edits.
Tomorrow, June 14, 2025, is a national day of protest in response to President Trump and his administration. Organized demonstrations are planned throughout the Bay Area, including here in Berkeley.
As the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, Berkeley remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights of individuals to peacefully protest.
We take great pride in our legacy of raising our voices together in peace and fully support the public’s right to lawfully assemble and express their views.
We recognize that many in our community are feeling anger, disappointment and fear in response to the current state of our nation. Those emotions will be powerfully present tomorrow.
As you come together to express these sentiments, we urge everyone to remain peaceful. Violence or other criminal activity can escalate tensions and endanger the safety of others, which would require law enforcement intervention.
While we hope for a peaceful day of protest, we are aware of the uncertainty surrounding how the federal government may respond.
Recent events, including the use of the military in Los Angeles, underscore the importance of being prepared and informed.
Additionally, there may be individuals who co-opt a peaceful protest for their own agenda; stay aware and clear of those engaged in dangerous and criminal behavior.
Our intent is not to create fear, but to empower our community with helpful information and resources. Here are some you may need:
- Protesters’ Rights – ACLU
- Know Your Rights for Immigrants – East Bay Sanctuary Covenant
- Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP)
- Public safety updates from the Berkeley Police Department
Please take care of yourselves and each other. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and stay aware of your surroundings. Your safety and your voice both matter.
