The Ventura County Sheriff’s department is currently investigating a violent incident during dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Witnesses have stated that a small group of pro-Israel supporters, including a 69-year-old Jewish man named Paul Kesler, were targeted by counter-protesters.
During a heated confrontation, the counter-protester hit Kesler in the head with a megaphone, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain a blunt force head injury. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Kesler succumbed to his injuries and his death has been ruled a homicide.
The witness expresses disbelief and sadness over the situation, emphasizing that there should never be such violence over personal opinions. The incident occurred when members of the pro-Palestinian group approached the pro-Israel group and began antagonizing them, leading to the violent encounter.
The identified suspect is being questioned by deputies, and the Sheriff’s department is investigating whether this can be classified as a hate crime. The department plans to hold a press conference tomorrow, coinciding with Kesler’s funeral..
