DOJ Launches Urgent Investigation into UC Berkeley’s Protest Violence
UPDATE: The Department of Justice has just announced a federal investigation into UC Berkeley’s handling of a violent protest linked to a Turning Point USA event on November 10, 2025. This action follows a chaotic night that saw clashes between attendees and protesters, resulting in at least four arrests.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon declared the investigation on social media, emphasizing that the DOJ will not tolerate violence against citizens. “In America, we do not allow citizens to be attacked by violent thugs and shrug and turn our backs,” Dhillon stated firmly. The DOJ’s swift response signifies escalating tensions surrounding free speech and security on college campuses.
UC Berkeley’s Assistant Vice Chancellor Dan Mogulof confirmed the university will conduct its own internal investigation and will cooperate fully with federal inquiries. “UC Berkeley condemns all violence and will hold accountable anyone who violates the law or campus regulations,” Mogulof stated, reaffirming the university’s commitment to uphold a safe environment for diverse perspectives.
The incident unfolded as Turning Point USA hosted its “American Comeback Tour” at Zellerbach Hall, where a protest involving hundreds erupted outside. Tensions escalated rapidly, leading to a physical altercation that left one individual bloodied and others injured.
Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as protestors hurled glass containers filled with a blue substance, injuring at least one attendee who was transported to a local hospital. “That was really scary,” said Brynn Pannier, an 18-year-old attendee. “I just felt scared. Things were being thrown, and I lost my friends.”
Police presence was heightened, with multiple agencies deployed to ensure safety as the event attracted nearly 1,000 attendees. The sold-out event featured comedian Rob Schneider and apologist Frank Turek as keynote speakers, amid ongoing unrest related to political violence and free speech on campuses nationwide.
The latest developments raise significant questions about how universities balance safety and the right to protest. UC Berkeley is already under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights for alleged antisemitic discrimination during recent pro-Palestine demonstrations.
As the DOJ investigation unfolds, the university’s handling of this incident will be closely scrutinized. Community and student groups continue to demand accountability and clarity on how such events can be managed without violence.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities respond to the fallout from this high-profile event.
