According to authorities, the suspect in the death of a Jewish man during a brawl during rival pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrations in California has been identified but is not yet in custody.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff said that a 50-year-old person has been assisting with the continuing investigation. After Paul Kessler, 69, fell backward and hit his head on the ground on Sunday, the suspect stayed at the scene and told the police that he was among those who called 911.
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The incident was captured on the victim’s mobile device, which the local police confiscated as crucial evidence for their ongoing investigation. The police have acknowledged the matter and its investigation, but they have not yet released any further details, such as whether the suspect has been placed under arrest.
Following Kessler’s death on Monday, the suspect was briefly detained for interrogation and had his home examined. Although there was evident interaction between Kessler and a protester at the Thousand Oaks gathering, Sheriff Fryhoff could not specify the exact sequence of events that culminated in Kessler falling backward at this time.
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According to Jonathan Oswaks, 69, who was standing on different sides of the street, he and Kessler had arranged to meet as counter-protesters at a pro-Palestinian demonstration. He related how a man holding a megaphone yelled close to his ear, crossed the street, and swung the megaphone in Kessler’s direction. According to Sheriff Fryhoff, the authorities are still investigating whether or not a megaphone was used.
As reported by the Associated Press, it has been determined that Kessler’s death was a homicide. It has not been ruled out that there may have been a hate crime, according to Sheriff Fryhoff. He asked everyone to be patient, quiet, and peaceful during this time.