Jewish Man Dies After Confrontation During Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestine Demonstrations
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (NEWSnet/AP) — A Jewish man in California has died after a confrontation during dueling protests over Israel-Hamas war, and police said Tuesday they had identified a suspect who called 911 after the altercation.
Paul Kessler, 69, died at a hospital early Monday from a head injury. Witnessessaid he was involved in a “physical altercation” during pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrations at an intersection in Thousand Oaks, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles, authorities said.
Ventura County medical examiner Dr. Christopher Young said an autopsy found Kessler died from a blun-force head injury, consistent with a fall. It is not evident if a blow to the face caused him to fall.
Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said no arrests have been made, although authorities identified a suspect who stayed at the scene and told officers he had called 911 to help Kessler.
Deputies determined Kessler fell backward and struck his head on the ground, Fryhoff said.
“What exactly transpired prior to Mr. Kessler falling backward isn’t crystal clear right now,” he added.
The suspect, who has been cooperating with authorities, was detained briefly for questioning and authorities searched the suspect’s home, Fryhoff said.
Fryhoff said authorities received conflicting information and are still analyzing what happened and whether a crime was committed.
Fryhoff said the event started as a pro-Palestine demonstration and was advertised as a peaceful gathering and that pro-Israel demonstrators arrived with about 75 to 100 people total attending.
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