Arrest Made In Jewish Protester's Death At Palestinian Demonstration

THOUSAND OAKS, CA — Police have arrested a man in connection with the death of a Jewish protester who was killed at demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war earlier in the month in Thousand Oaks.

Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, 50, of Moorpark, was arrested around 7 a.m. Thursday, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which said he will be booked into county jail and charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of 69-year-old Paul Kessler. His bail will be set at $1 million, authorities said.

Kessler, of Thousand Oaks, died as a result of injuries sustained during a Nov. 5 altercation at pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian rallies that were occurring simultaneously at the intersection of Westlake Boulevard and Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, according to police.

"We are grateful for the swift work of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in response to the tragic death of Mr. Paul Kessler," the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles said in a prepared statement.

"This arrest shows that violence towards our Jewish community will not be tolerated. We will continue to monitor the case to help ensure justice is served. Our heartfelt condolences continue to be with the family of Paul Kessler and may his memory forever be a blessing."

In a news conference days after Kessler's death, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said authorities had briefly detained a 50-year-old man from Moorpark and searched his home, but he was then released. The sheriff confirmed that Kessler was attending the pro-Israel rally, and the suspect was attending the pro-Palestine rally.

Fryhoff told reporters that investigators had "not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime and this is being investigated as a homicide."

Kessler was among a group of pro-Israel demonstrators who showed up at the event that was advertised as a peaceful gathering to support Palestinians. About 75 people in total were there and patrols in the area reported seeing no indication of violence 15 minutes before the altercation, officials said.

Fryhoff said witnesses were interviewed at the scene, but provided conflicting accounts about who the aggressor was in the encounter. One witness, Jonathan Oswaks, contends that a pro-Palestine protester struck Kessler in the head with a megaphone, causing him to fall to the ground. Fryhoff said the suspect in the case remained at the scene and was among those who called 911 seeking help for the injured man.

At about 3:20 p.m., multiple people called the Ventura County Sheriff's Communication Center to report that a battery had occurred at the rallies. Responding deputies found Kessler, who was suffering from a head injury. Fryhoff said Kessler was conscious and speaking to deputies and paramedics at the scene, and remained conscious while being taken to a hospital. He was taken to a hospital for "advanced medical treatment" but died shortly after 1 a.m. Nov. 6, authorities said.

Ventura County Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young told reporters that Kessler had injuries to his head and facial area — including non-lethal bruising on the left side of his face that would be consistent with being struck. He said the fatal injuries appeared to have been suffered to the back of his head when he struck the ground.

Fryhoff acknowledged the passions surrounding the investigation and the emotions being felt as a result of the Israel-Hamas war.

"We understand that the war in Israel and Gaza has led to an increase in hateful and threatening rhetoric, and we want to ensure the Muslim and Jewish communities that we stand with them both during this difficult time," he said.

Police continue to seek information about Kessler's death and ask anyone who has yet to come forward to call 805-384-4745. Anyone driving a vehicle with video equipment, such as a Tesla, in the area 3-4 p.m. Nov. 5 is also asked to contact police. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. To share video or pictures of the incident anonymously, visit venturasheriffca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/23-142110.

City News Service and the Associated Press contributed to this story.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.