The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 69-year-old Paul Kessler, who died after an altercation during dueling demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war Sunday.
Around 3:20 PM Sunday, Ventura County Sheriff’s received multiple calls of a battery that had occurred at Westlake Boulevard and Thousand Oaks Boulevard in the city of Thousand Oaks.
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The intersection was the location of dueling Pro-Israeli/Pro-Palestinian demonstrations, where deputies found Kessler suffering from a head injury.
According to a report by the sheriff's office, Kessler was involved in an altercation with a pro-Palestine demonstrator when he fell backward and struck his head on the ground. Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said witnesses gave conflicting accounts as to what occurred before Kessler fell and who the aggressor was in the altercation.
Kessler was transported to a local hospital for advanced medical treatment, where on Monday, he succumbed to his injuries.
An autopsy performed Monday by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office found that the cause of death was blunt force head trauma. The death was ruled a homicide, although Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young emphasized that this doesn't mean a crime was committed.
Investigators say they've interviewed the other person involved in the altercation, who is being cooperative. No arrests have been made.
Mayor Karen Bass issued the following statement on Tuesday:
“We mourn the death of the Jewish man who died after being injured during a protest in Thousand Oaks. As details emerge and are confirmed, we stand resolute in condemnation of violence and antisemitism. This death is a blow to our region at a time when tensions continue to rise worldwide. We must redouble our efforts to ensure violence and hate are met with accountability and consequences. Los Angeles refuses to harbor this hatred.”
CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and shocking loss. We join local Jewish leaders in calling on all individuals to refrain from jumping to conclusions, sensationalizing such a tragedy for political gains, or spreading rumors that could unnecessarily escalate tensions that are already at an all-time high.
“We urge everyone to wait for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office to complete its investigation before drawing any conclusions. Our thoughts are with the family and the Jewish community during this difficult time.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Stump at (805) 384-4745.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Those who wish to share video or pictures of the incident can do so and can remain anonymous here.
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