Rob Schneider, a comedian and longtime advocate for free speech, found himself at the center of a tense yet civil moment during a Turning Point USA event at **UC Berkeley**, as tensions over free expression and political discourse reached a peak. The event, part of the *This Is The Turning Point Tour*, drew large crowds to the campus, where tensions were palpable, with protesters clashing outside the venue. Inside, Schneider, speaking to students, recounted an unexpected encounter with actor **Robert De Niro** that underscored his belief in responding to political hostility with love and respect.
Schneider, who has been a vocal critic of campus censorship and a staunch defender of free speech, emphasized that the only way to navigate the current landscape of political polarization is through compassion and civil conversation. He recounted how, at a previous event, De Niro, a long-time critic of former President **Donald Trump**, confronted him with a sharp question about his support for Trump. Despite their stark differences, Schneider said the moment of personal connection between the two actors highlighted the power of love and respect in overcoming division.
Outside the event, however, the situation was far more volatile. Reports from **UC Berkeley** police confirmed that clashes between protesters and event attendees occurred, with at least one protester using tear gas and others mimicking gunfire. These incidents, described by Schneider as part of the