Birthplace of free speech movement braces for possible fight

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A woman holds up a sign at a rally in San Francisco, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, ahead of politically conservative rallies scheduled this weekend. Concerned about possible violence, city officials have urged residents to stay away from other gatherings on Saturday and Sunday. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

SAN FRANCISCO – Officials in Berkeley, California are bracing for potential fights over free speech a day after a right-wing rally fizzled in San Francisco.

It’s unclear who will show up to a “No to Marxism in America” rally in downtown Berkeley Sunday after its organizer pleaded with supporters in a message late Friday to stay away, saying that she feared for their safety.

A counter-protest is scheduled for 10 a.m. even though Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin urged people to stay away.

Amber Cummings is a transgender woman and supporter of President Donald Trump who says that members of the anti-fascist movement are the real terrorists.

She says she should be able to carry an American flag and feel safe.

Cummings said she alone would be at her rally at 1 p.m.

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AP reporter Sudhin Thanawala contributed to this report.

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