URGENT UPDATE: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has just announced a federal investigation into UC Berkeley’s handling of the recent Turning Point USA event, which erupted into chaos, leading to multiple arrests and widespread community outcry. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon confirmed this significant development on social media early Tuesday morning, asserting that federal oversight is necessary in light of the violence that marred the event.
The investigation follows a tumultuous scene at the “American Comeback Tour” event held on November 10, 2025, at Zellerbach Hall, where tensions between attendees and protesters escalated, resulting in at least four arrests. Dhillon emphasized, “In America, we do not allow citizens to be attacked by violent thugs and shrug and turn our backs. Been there, done that, not on our watch.”
In a response to the DOJ’s announcement, UC Berkeley’s Assistant Vice Chancellor Dan Mogulof stated that the university will conduct its own inquiry while cooperating fully with federal authorities. “UC Berkeley condemns all violence and will hold accountable anyone who violates the law or campus regulations,” he affirmed in a statement. This commitment underscores the university’s dedication to maintaining a safe environment for diverse perspectives.
The atmosphere on campus was charged as hundreds of students and community members protested the event, which included keynote speakers Rob Schneider and Frank Turek. The crowd expressed their dissent with signs and chants, leading to confrontations that resulted in injuries and arrests. One individual was left with a bloodied face after a physical altercation, while another was hospitalized due to a head injury from a thrown object.
Witnesses described the scene as alarming and chaotic. Brynn Pannier, an 18-year-old attendee, recounted her fear as objects were hurled through the air: “That was really scary. I felt nervous. Things were being thrown, and I lost my friends.” The incident reflects growing concerns about political violence on campuses nationwide, especially following the recent killing of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
The protests were fueled by ongoing tensions surrounding UC Berkeley’s stance on Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which have previously drawn scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights for alleged antisemitic discrimination. The DOJ’s investigation into the university’s actions during this incident comes as a critical moment of accountability for campuses grappling with free speech and safety.
As the investigation unfolds, university officials are expected to release further details about their internal review. The DOJ’s involvement highlights the urgent need for transparent governance in handling politically charged events on college campuses.
Authorities are now monitoring the situation closely as discussions about campus security and free speech continue to intensify. With the potential for further developments, both the university and community members are left awaiting the outcomes of these investigations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds in the coming days.