The University of California, Berkeley finds itself at the center of a federal investigation following violent protests that disrupted a campus event hosted by conservative group Turning Point USA. The Department of Justice has officially launched a civil rights inquiry into the incident that raised serious questions about campus security and free speech protections.
Federal Investigation Launched
Harmeet Dhillon, chief of the Department of Justice's civil rights division, announced the investigation through social media platform X, confirming that her division would thoroughly investigate the events that unfolded. The conservative lawyer from California identified the protesters as members of Antifa and expressed significant concerns about campus security and the ability of such groups to operate without consequences in California.
Violent Clashes and Security Measures
Anticipating potential conflicts, Berkeley police established security cordons around Zellerbach Hall in Sproul Plaza on Monday afternoon. However, logistical challenges during ticket scanning created congestion at the entrance, escalating tensions between event attendees and protesters. According to university spokesperson Dan Mogulof, a single violent incident occurred on a sidewalk adjacent to campus property, resulting in two arrests by Berkeley city police. Campus authorities made two additional arrests for minor, nonviolent infractions.
Despite the protests, the Turning Point USA event proceeded successfully with more than 900 attendees. The program featured comedian Rob Schneider and Christian author Frank Turek, while outside, over 200 demonstrators chanted slogans including No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA and Trump must go now.
Preservation of Evidence and Ongoing Scrutiny
On Tuesday, the Department of Justice formally notified UC Berkeley of the investigation, directing the university to preserve all records related to the protest. This includes communications among administrators and board members, along with video and audio documentation of the events. This marks the second federal inquiry into the University of California system in 2025, following an earlier investigation into allegations of insufficient protection for Jewish students against antisemitism and concerns about diversity hiring practices.
The university issued a strong statement emphasizing its commitment to free expression: There is no place at UC Berkeley for attempts to use violence or intimidation to prevent lawful expression or chill free speech. University officials pledged full cooperation with the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to identify outside agitators responsible for disrupting the Turning Point USA event.
Tensions reached a peak when loud noises resembling gunfire caused momentary panic and scattering among the crowd. Authorities later confirmed the sounds originated from fireworks. Andrew Kolvet, speaking for Turning Point USA, shared video evidence showing that despite protesters using tear gas, fireworks, and projectiles, the event attracted a full audience and concluded without major disruption to the program itself.
