"United Against Hate," politicians urge for peaceful counter rallies

BERKELEY, Calif. (Allie Rasmus/KTVU) - Leaders at just about every level of government -- from the mayor to  state senators and U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee -- are speaking out on the steps of Berkeley City Hall on Tuesday to condemn racism and bigotry in the East Bay.

Inciting violence is not protected.

"This is not free speech," said Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin at a news conference. "This is bigotry, this is racism, this is xenophobia."

Arreguin announced that there will be a citywide campaign called “United Against Hate” away from the downtown area and away from the right-wing "No to Marxism" rally at Civic Center Park scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Arreguin urged people to attend several alternative events instead, which will include teach-ins and workshops on civil liberties and civic rights.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee proposed similar counter rallies on Saturday when alt-right rallies are scheduled for Crissy Field.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said at a news conference that there will be a citywide campaign called “United Against Hate” away from the downtown area and away from the right-wing rally at Civic Center Park.

That park has been the site of violent clashes between protesters and counter-protesters before including in April, when fights broke out between people supporting and opposing President Trump. Twenty people were arrested and 11 people were injured.