Berkeley, CA — The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into UC Berkeley’s handling of a Turning Point USA event that drew large protests, several arrests, and allegations of violence on campus.
The inquiry will focus on whether the university violated federal free speech or anti-discrimination laws during the conservative organization’s tour stop Monday night, which ended in confrontation between demonstrators and attendees.
DOJ Inquiry and Background
The Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event marked the final stop of the group’s nationwide college tour. Federal officials confirmed that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has requested records, communications, and security details related to the incident.
According to ABC7 News, the department referenced a 2018 settlement between UC Berkeley and a free speech advocacy group as part of its review.
“The DOJ will investigate what happened here,” Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon posted on X (formerly Twitter), citing concerns about campus safety and reports of outside agitators.
UC Berkeley and city police confirmed that three people were arrested, including one student who was cited and released. Another suspect faces trespassing and obstruction charges.
Protests and Arrests
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the event hours before doors opened. Witnesses reported scuffles near Sproul Plaza and at least one person being assaulted while selling TPUSA merchandise. Police later identified the man as a victim of battery and robbery and released him.
“There’s only a handful of incidents,” said John Paul Leon, president of the UC Berkeley Turning Point chapter. “But a handful of incidents is too many.”
Despite the tension, university officials said the event proceeded without interruption and drew more than 900 attendees.
“Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of University, state, and local police officers, the efforts to prevent last night’s event did not succeed,” UC Berkeley stated.
Free Speech Debate on Campus
The protests have reignited debate over free speech and campus expression at UC Berkeley, a university historically known as the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement.
Sage Plaisted, a senior who did not attend the event, said she felt the coverage focused too much on the clashes rather than the protesters’ message.
“UC Berkeley has been the home of free speech for a really long time,” Plaisted said. “I personally think what Turning Point says is hate speech. I don’t feel comfortable having them on campus.”
Meanwhile, UC Berkeley Students Organizing for Liberation — an unregistered student group — released a statement denying Antifa involvement and thanking demonstrators for showing up.
University Statement and Federal Coordination
UC Berkeley issued a detailed statement reaffirming its stance on free expression and campus safety while condemning all forms of violence.
“UC Berkeley condemns all violence and will hold accountable anyone who violates the law or campus regulations,” the university said.
“There is no place at UC Berkeley for attempts to use violence or intimidation to prevent lawful expression or chill free speech.”
The university added that it will fully cooperate with the DOJ and the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force to identify any outside agitators responsible for disruptions.
What’s Next
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division will continue reviewing whether UC Berkeley’s actions complied with constitutional protections related to freedom of speech and assembly.
University officials said they remain “steadfast in their commitment to uphold open dialogue, respect, and the rule of law.”
What are your thoughts on the DOJ’s investigation and free speech tensions on college campuses? Share your views in the comments below.
