I predicted it. In my coverage of the campus protests and occupations across California, I've noted repeatedly that revolutionary cadres are taking over the movement, and that it's just a short step to real anti-capitalist violence. Recall my report, "Berkeley's Wheeler Hall Protest Marks Escalation in Campus Intifada." As I noted there:
My sense is that the only thing missing so far is the arson, kidnappings, and bombings that have marked earlier decades of student revolutionary agitation. And unfortunately, my bet is that it's only a matter of time -- we'll be seeing some Bill Ayers wannabes popping up in short order.Well, it's difficult, but my sense was pretty accurate. From the San Jose Mercury News, "Torch-Carrying Protesters Storm UC Berkeley Chancellor's Home; 8 Arrested":
As many as 70 protesters, many carrying torches and smashing windows, attempted to storm UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau's on-campus residence late Friday in a violent act condemned by university officials and student activists alike.
Eight people, including two UC Berkeley students, were arrested on suspicion of rioting, threatening an educational official, attempted burglary, attempted arson, felony vandalism and assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, the university said.
Some protesters threw incendiary objects at the house in an attack that left the chancellor and his wife fearing for their lives.
The group was apparently protesting student fee hikes and budget cuts. The demonstrators chanted "No justice, no peace," as the chancellor slept. His wife woke him up about 11 p.m.
"These are criminals, not activists," Birgeneau said in a statement Saturday. "The attack at our home was extraordinarily frightening and violent. My wife and I genuinely feared for our lives. The people involved in this action will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I want to emphasize that they represent an extreme minority of our students."
UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof said it was a "matter of luck" the protesters were unable to break into the home before police scattered most of the crowd. Protesters smashed lights, shattered windows, scattered trash and flipped over planters, Mogulof said ....
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement calling Friday's protest "terrorism" and said "those who participated will be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law." UC President Mark Yudof called the attack "appalling" and said the "matter is now appropriately in the hands of law enforcement authorities."
And at Bay Area Indy Media, with a screencap just in case, "Torchlit Evening with Birgeneau":
http://americanpowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/berkeley-chancellors-home-attacked-by.html
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