6 Questions to Clarify DOJ’s Investigation Into Berkeley Mob

1. What sparked the chaos at UC Berkeley on Monday night?

Violence and chaos erupted outside a Turning Point USA event at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall on November 10, 2025. Attendees were forced to navigate through hostile agitators to enter and exit the event, while police worked to hold back a screaming and sometimes violent mob. The unrest has now prompted the Department of Justice to launch a federal investigation into the incident.

2. Why has the DOJ launched an investigation?

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced the probe on X (formerly Twitter), stating that "mob assault and thuggish intimidation of attendees exercising their First Amendment rights are unacceptable." The DOJ's Civil Rights Division sent a formal letter to the University of California Board of Regents notifying them of the investigation.

3. What exactly will federal investigators be looking into?

The DOJ is determining whether there were violations of federal rights, including potential violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as Title VI and Title VII violations. The department has demanded that UC Berkeley preserve all records related to security and campus preparation for the event and may include these incidents in ongoing investigations of the UC system.

4. Who was arrested during the unrest?

At least eight people were arrested during the unrest. Notable arrests include Jihad Dphrepaulezz, 25, charged with robbery and battery after allegedly beating a man wearing a "FREEDOM" t-shirt and stealing his chain; Christopher Joseph Benton, 48, arrested for trespassing and obstructing an officer; and Jay Eduardo Maytorena, 22, a current or former student, arrested for similar charges. Four Berkeley students were also arrested on felony vandalism charges for hanging an anti-Turning Point display in a forbidden campus location.

5. Were there other injuries reported?

Yes. Beyond the beating of the man in the "FREEDOM" shirt, university officials confirmed that a 45-year-old attendee was struck in the head with a glass bottle or jar. The victim suffered a laceration and required hospital treatment. As of Tuesday, it remained unclear if a suspect had been arrested specifically for this assault, though police are reviewing evidence.

 6. Is UC Berkeley taking any responsibility for what happened?

UC Berkeley strongly condemned all violence and threats that might chill freedom of speech. The university stated it is conducting its own full investigation and will cooperate with federal authorities and the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force to identify the "outside agitators" responsible. The school emphasized its commitment to safeguarding "the right of every member of our community to speak and assemble freely."