What’s Happening:
Conflict has erupted in the Middle East and protests to the violence there have exploded across the United States. Emotions are running high from people with opinions on both sides of the issue.
Law enforcement officials worry that domestic protests may grow beyond the vandalism and threats already seen in different cities. That fear was elevated following the death of a pro-Israel protester earlier this week.
Law enforcement officials in southern California said on Tuesday that they executed a search warrant at the home of a pro-Palestinian activist that they suspect was involved in the death. Paul Kessler, 69, was killed at a Sunday event in Thousand Oaks where there were competing pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies.
The 50-year-old suspect’s name was not released by law enforcement which detained the suspect during a traffic stop in Simi Valley while law enforcement searched the suspect’s residence in Moorpark. The suspect was released less than two hours later.
Kessler’s death has been ruled a homicide by the chief medical examiner for Ventura County. The report states that a CT scan at the hospital found that Kessler sustained “intracranial injuries, which included swelling of the brain and hemorrhage surrounding the brain.”
The medical examiner stated that Kessler’s injuries were “consistent with a blow to the face” and separate from injuries to the back of his head caused by him falling and hitting his head on the ground.
The Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) has launched a criminal homicide investigation into Kessler’s death and investigators have not ruled out a hate crime.
“What exactly transpired prior to Mr. Kessler falling backward isn’t crystal clear right now,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff.
Kessler was transported to a local hospital following the incident where he was conscious and responsive. He later succumbed to his injuries early Monday morning.
Key Takeaways:
- A pro-Israel supporter died following an incident at competing rallies.
- Police detained a pro-Palestinian activist who was later released.
- California county medical examiner ruled the death as a homicide.
Source: The Daily Wire
