California investigators are seeking public assistance in the death of a Jewish man during Israel-Hamas war protests. The man, identified as Kessler, was supporting Israel at the demonstrations, which have been taking place across the US. His death is being investigated as a homicide and a possible hate crime. Newshub reported
Paul Kessler, a Jewish man, tragically lost his life during protests related to the Israel-Hamas war in Thousand Oaks, California. These demonstrations, which have been occurring across the US, are either in support of Israel or to protest its retaliation for the Hamas attacks that claimed over 1,400 lives. The Israeli military offensive in Gaza, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, has resulted in the deaths of more than 10,000 people.
When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, Kessler was still conscious and responsive. He was rushed to a hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries overnight. Authorities are treating Kessler’s death as a homicide and are considering the possibility of it being a hate crime.
A 50-year-old suspect, who claimed to have been involved in an altercation with Kessler, cooperated with investigators. He had called 911 for medical assistance for Kessler. Although the suspect was detained and his home was searched, he was later released without arrest. The district attorney’s office will determine if criminal charges are warranted based on the investigation.
The tragic incident has prompted both Jewish and Muslim community leaders to condemn violence and express their grief. Concerns about hate-motivated attacks have risen as tensions escalate due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. In response, the sheriff’s office has increased patrols around Muslim and Jewish houses of worship and community centers.
Providing details about the altercation, it is reported that approximately 75 to 100 people were present at the protest in Thousand Oaks. Prior to Kessler’s fatal fall, there had been no violent encounters during the numerous protests held in the county since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Multiple calls reporting a possible assault related to the protests were received by the sheriff’s office. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Kessler lying on the ground, conscious but injured.
Video footage captured Kessler lying on the sidewalk with blood on his face and the ground. However, the altercation leading to his injuries was not recorded. Conflicting accounts emerged from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian witnesses regarding the aggressor and the sequence of events.
Kessler received medical aid at the scene and was immediately transported to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, and he was pronounced dead early the next morning. An autopsy revealed that Kessler’s cause of death was blunt force head trauma, consistent with injuries sustained from a fall.
Local government officials, Jewish community leaders, and Muslim community leaders have united in urging the community to remain patient during the investigation and denouncing violence. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles expressed devastation at Kessler’s loss and demanded safety for the Jewish community. Rabbi Michael Barclay requested that people trust law enforcement to conduct the investigation and encouraged anyone with footage of the incident to come forward. The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) expressed deep sadness and called for the rejection of violence, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the incitement of hatred.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Paul Kessler during the Israel-Hamas war protests in Thousand Oaks has prompted investigations into a possible hate crime while increasing concerns about violence and hate-motivated attacks. Community leaders are emphasizing the need for patience, condemning violence, and urging cooperation with law enforcement. Increased security measures have been implemented to protect Muslim and Jewish communities in the area..