A significant incident unfolded at the University of California, Berkeley, on Monday evening, leading to multiple arrests amid chaos surrounding a conservative event. Law enforcement officials reported disturbances that escalated into violence.
Arrests During Campus Protests
Shortly before 5:00 p.m. local time, Berkeley police witnessed a fight involving two men on campus. Both were initially detained for public fighting, but further investigation led to more serious charges. One man, wearing a red shirt emblazoned with the word “FREEDOM,” suffered significant injuries during the altercation. This man was reportedly trying to reclaim a necklace that had been stolen from him.
Details of the Altercation
- The arrested individual was identified as Jihad Dphrepaulezz, a 25-year-old from Oakland.
- Charges against him include robbery and battery resulting in injury.
The victim’s initial release occurred following his injuries. The Berkeley Police also noted several other arrests linked to the disturbances during the event.
Student Arrests for Felony Vandalism
In a related incident, four female UC Berkeley students, aged between 20 and 22, were arrested early Monday morning for felony vandalism. They were allegedly attempting to hang a large cardboard bug from Sather Gate, a historic landmark on campus, to protest the conservative gathering.
- Felony vandalism is defined in California as causing property damage exceeding $400.
The university’s Assistant Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs, Dan Mogulof, confirmed the arrests. The identities of the accused students remain pending verification from authorities.
Additional Arrests and Incidents
During the same evening, two more arrests were made. Christopher Joseph Benton, 48, was arrested for misdemeanors including trespassing and resisting arrest. Additionally, 22-year-old Jay Eduardo Maytorena, listed as a current or former student, faced similar charges.
Furthermore, a man in his 40s was injured after being struck in the head with a glass bottle. He was subsequently hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.
Event Background
The controversial event, part of Turning Point USA’s “This is the Turning Point” tour, featured actor Rob Schneider and author Frank Turek. The recent assassination of Turning Point’s founder, Charlie Kirk, during a speaking engagement in Utah on September 10 has heightened tensions around the organization and its events.
As confrontations between opposing groups continue, UC Berkeley remains a focal point for campus debates over free speech and political expression.
