California authorities arrest man in death of Jewish demonstrator
California authorities have arrested a man in connection with the death of a Jewish protester during demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.California authorities have arrested a man in connection with the death of a Jewish protester during demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office said the 50-year-old suspect was arrested Thursday and will be booked into jail for investigation of involuntary manslaughter.
Paul Kessler, 69, died early Nov. 6 at a hospital following a Nov. 5 confrontation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator in Thousand Oaks, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles.
Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said subsequently that that deputies determined Kessler had fallen backward and struck his head on the ground.
The pro-Palestinian demonstrator stayed at the scene and told deputies he had called 911, Fryhoff said.
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.
Demonstrations have been widespread and tensions are escalating in the United States as the death toll rises in the Israel-Hamas war.