Governor Reagan overrode Chancellor Heyns' May 6, 1969 promise that nothing would be done without warning, and on Thursday, May 15, 1969 at 4:45 am, he sent 250 California Highway Patrol and Berkeley police officers into People's Park. The officers cleared an 8-block area around the park while a large section of what had been planted was destroyed and an 8-foot tall perimeter chain-link wire fence was installed to keep people out and to prevent the planting of more trees, grass, flowers and shrubs.

Beginning at noon, approximately 3,000 people appeared at nearby Sproul Plaza at U.C. Berkeley for a rally, the original purpose of which was to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict. Several ...

Governor Reagan overrode Chancellor Heyns' May 6, 1969 promise that nothing would be done without warning, and on Thursday, May 15, 1969 at 4:45 am, he sent 250 California Highway Patrol and Berkeley police officers into People's Park. The officers cleared an 8-block area around the park while a large section of what had been planted was destroyed and an 8-foot tall perimeter chain-link wire fence was installed to keep people out and to prevent the planting of more trees, grass, flowers and shrubs.

Beginning at noon, approximately 3,000 people appeared at nearby Sproul Plaza at U.C. Berkeley for a rally, the original purpose of which was to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict. Several people spoke, then Michael Lerner ceded the Free Speech platform to ASUC Student Body President Dan Siegel because students were concerned about the fencing-off and destruction of the park. Siegel said later that he never intended to precipitate a riot; however when he shouted "Let's take back the park!," police turned off the sound system. This angered some people, and the crowd responded spontaneously, moving down Telegraph Avenue toward People's Park chanting "We want the park!"

Arriving in the early afternoon, the protesters were met by the remaining 159 Berkeley and University police officers assigned to guard the fenced-off park site. The protesters opened a fire hydrant, the officers fired tear gas canisters, some protesters attempted to tear down the fence, and bottles and rocks were thrown. A major confrontation ensued between law enforcement and the crowd. Initial attempts by the police to disperse the protesters were not successful, so more officers were called in from surrounding cities.

.... Wikipedia

Wow, thanks for the clip, Righthand!
I was there--originally, not to protest but to get a bag of grass (i admit it, gladly) but was swept up in the protest and ensuing police riot and got arrested, sent to Santa Rita Jail along with 500+ others in the so-called "Mass bust". They arrested the long haired postman on his rounds, several little old ladies who were shopping, etc. And me and two of my friends. In Jail, I talked with several more politically aware guys and the seeds were planted for the radical politcizing of my life. I never looked at America in the same way after that. We took beatings, were made to lay on the gravel for hours until after dark, no blankets, bare meta...

Wow, thanks for the clip, Righthand!
I was there--originally, not to protest but to get a bag of grass (i admit it, gladly) but was swept up in the protest and ensuing police riot and got arrested, sent to Santa Rita Jail along with 500+ others in the so-called "Mass bust". They arrested the long haired postman on his rounds, several little old ladies who were shopping, etc. And me and two of my friends. In Jail, I talked with several more politically aware guys and the seeds were planted for the radical politcizing of my life. I never looked at America in the same way after that. We took beatings, were made to lay on the gravel for hours until after dark, no blankets, bare metal bunks, etc. All charges were eventually dismissed and at least two of the guards were fired and convicted of assault. It was brutal, thanks to Gov. Reagan, who said at the time, "they should put all the protesters up against a fence and shoot 'em". Really. What a wonderful guy he was!!!