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DOJ Launches Investigation into UC Berkeley Unrest Following Turning Point USA Event
BERKELEY, CA – The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the tumultuous events that unfolded outside a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event at the University of California, Berkeley, on Monday. The probe comes amidst accusations of “mob assault and thuggish intimidation” directed at attendees.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced the investigation, emphasizing that such actions against individuals exercising their First Amendment rights are “unacceptable.” The TPUSA event, the final stop on its “This is the Turning Point” tour, was held at Zellerbach Hall and featured actor Rob Schneider and author Frank Turek.
Reports indicate a tense atmosphere outside the venue, with left-wing agitators reportedly swarming the area. Attendees described navigating a hostile crowd to enter and exit the event, while police worked to contain what was described as a screaming and at times violent mob.
A letter from Dhillon, addressed to the University of California Board of Regents, stated, “The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division has recently become aware of concerning incidents occurring on your campus at the University of California (UC), Berkeley on or about November 10, 2025.”
The letter also noted that the DOJ had previously opened investigations into the UC system for potential Title VI and Title VII violations based on other events, and will now determine if the November 10 incidents should be included. Furthermore, the DOJ is assessing whether these recent events warrant additional investigations into potential violations of federal rights, including the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
In response, the DOJ has mandated that UC Berkeley preserve all records pertinent to security and campus preparations for the Turning Point event.
UC Berkeley issued a statement condemning violence and threats that could stifle free speech, pledging full cooperation with the federal investigation. The university stated, “The University is conducting a full investigation and intends to fully cooperate with and assist any federal investigations and the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force to identify the outside agitators responsible for attempting to disrupt last night’s TPUSA event.” The statement also affirmed the university’s commitment to safeguarding the right of its community members to speak and assemble freely.
Despite the external chaos, the university reported that the TPUSA event, which drew over 900 attendees, proceeded without interruption.
At least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Among the incidents reported was a viral video showing a man in a “FREEDOM” T-shirt being assaulted just outside campus. Berkeley police arrested Jihad Dphrepaulezz, 25, on charges of robbery and battery in connection with that incident, alleging he stole the victim’s chain before the brawl.
Campus police also confirmed two arrests directly outside the event: Christopher Joseph Benton, 48, unaffiliated with the university, for trespassing, resisting an officer, and unlawful presence on campus; and Jay Eduardo Maytorena, 22, identified as a current or former student, for trespassing and resisting an officer.
Additionally, four Berkeley students were arrested earlier Monday morning by UC Berkeley police on felony vandalism charges for allegedly hanging an anti-Turning Point display in a prohibited campus location. On Tuesday afternoon, the university also reported that a 45-year-old man was struck in the head with a glass bottle or jar, sustaining a laceration and requiring hospital treatment. It remains unclear if an arrest has been made in that particular incident.
This remains a developing news story, and further updates will be provided as they become available.