BERKELEY, Calif. — Yesterday, at a gathering outside a campus event held by Turning Point USA at the University of California, Berkeley, a man who identified himself as a Christian said his cross-necklace was torn from his neck by another individual, and he was then punched multiple times while trying to retrieve it.
According to police statements, the incident unfolded when 25-year-old Jihad Dphrepaulezz allegedly snatched a chain necklace from the attendee. Berkeley Police later identified the man pursuing him as the owner of the necklace. After reviewing the situation, officers found that the owner had been attempting to reclaim his property and released him from custody, while Dphrepaulezz was arrested on suspicion of robbery and battery causing injury.
Witnesses reported that the Christian attendee never threw a punch, but struggled to retrieve his cross as he was reportedly struck about 15 times in the face. At the time of reporting, it has not been verified whether the necklace was explicitly a Christian cross, or whether the motivation was religious. The police have described it primarily as an alleged robbery of a necklace.
What We Know
- The altercation took place during protests outside the Turning Point USA event at UC Berkeley.
- Berkeley Police determined the original attendee had the necklace stolen and was attempting to recover it when arrested and later released.
- The suspect has been charged with assault and robbery.
What Remains Unclear
- Whether the item taken was definitively a Christian cross.
- Whether the incident was motivated by religious hatred or was simply theft and assault.
- The exact nature and number of injuries sustained by the attendee beyond self-reported claims.
- Whether any hate-crime or religious-bias enhancement will be applied by prosecutors.
Relevance for Christian Readers and Faith Communities
For Christians attending public or politically charged gatherings, the incident underscores the importance of awareness in high-tension environments, even when carrying visible Christian symbols. It highlights how such symbols can become targeted—whether for theft, intimidation or other motives—and raises questions about personal safety, public expression of faith, and the protection of Christian identifiers in open settings.
Church leaders may want to encourage congregants to exercise prudence while still being bold in their faith:
- Be conscious of surroundings when wearing religious symbols in protest or rally contexts.
- Maintain a non-aggressive posture and seek to de-escalate conflict.
- Know your rights regarding theft, assault, and cooperation with law enforcement if targeted.
- Pray for those who feel vulnerable because of faith expression in public.
As investigations continue into the violence surrounding large protests in Berkeley, this specific case serves as a reminder of how religion, public protest, and personal safety can intersect in today’s social climate.
Sources:
- New York Post – “Protester named ‘Jihad’ charged with assault and robbery after brawl at Berkeley Turning Point USA rally.”
- San Francisco Chronicle – “DOJ investigating protests over UC Berkeley Turning Point event.”
- Yahoo News – “Protests and arrests erupt outside final Turning Point USA event at UC Berkeley.”