The Ventura County Sheriff's Office, California, assured that it has not ruled out the possibility that the death of a 69-year-old man as a result of one of the injuries suffered during an altercation at a pro-Israeli and Palestinian event is a crime of hate.
Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old Jew who participated in the demonstration held on November 5 at the intersection of Westlake Blvd. and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, in the city of Thousand Oaks, died after succumbing to his injuries on November 6.
And, after the altercation, at approximately 3:20 p.m., several citizens called the Ventura sheriff's communication center to report that an attack had occurred at the location; Upon arrival, officers located Kessler, who was suffering from a head injury.
Witness accounts indicated that Kessler was involved in a physical altercation with counter protesters. During the dispute, Kessler fell backwards and hit his head on the ground.
Kessler was transported to an area hospital for advanced medical treatment, however, he died the following day.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide, after determining in an autopsy on Jan. 6 that the cause of death was a blunt force injury to the head.
Authorities noted that the investigation is active and ongoing, and that the incident appears to be isolated and not part of a large effort.
In light of this, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public regarding this ongoing investigation and encourages anyone who witnessed or has knowledge of the incident, or who was present at the demonstration, to contact with Detective Stump at (805) 384-4745.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). While those who wish to share videos or images of the incident can do so and remain anonymous using the following link: https://venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/23-142110.
“This death is a blow to our region at a time when tensions continue to rise around the world. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that violence and hate are met with accountability and consequences. “Los Angeles refuses to harbor this hate,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.
"As details emerge and are confirmed, we remain steadfast in condemning violence and anti-Semitism," he added.
The Greater Los Angeles Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) expressed its sadness at the news of Kessler's death.
?We are deeply saddened by this tragic and shocking loss. Do we join local Jewish leaders in calling on all people to refrain from jumping to conclusions, sensationalizing such a tragedy for political gain, or spreading rumors that could unnecessarily escalate tensions that are already at a high point? Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR-LA, said in a statement.
In that sense, he urged waiting for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office to complete its investigation before drawing conclusions. ?Our thoughts are with the family and the Jewish community during this difficult time.?
“While we strongly support the right to political debate, CAIR-LA and the Muslim community support the Jewish community in rejecting all violence, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or incitement to hatred,” he noted.
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the CaliFornia State Library.
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