Police have arrested a pro-Palestinian California college professor in the death of Jewish man Paul Kessler at concurrent pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Nov. 5. The suspect, Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, 50, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and is currently in custody on $1,000,000 bail, according to a press release from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
The arrest comes after an altercation between Alnaji and Kessler, during which Kessler fell and hit his head on the concrete, resulting in brain hemorrhaging that would later prove fatal. Witnesses have claimed that Alnaji struck Kessler with a megaphone prior to the fall. An autopsy conducted by the Ventura County Medical Examiner revealed additional injuries to Kessler’s mouth.
Previously, police had obtained a warrant to search Alnaji’s vehicle and home but did not have enough evidence to make an arrest. It is unclear what new evidence led to Alnaji’s arrest. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant photos or videos from the scene to come forward.
Alnaji is a full-time professor teaching computer science at Ventura County Community College’s Moorpark campus. The school has not yet provided a comment on the situation. Alnaji has been teaching college students since 2003 and holds advanced degrees in computer science and business administration.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Alnaji shared a video in which activist Shahid King Bolsen compared the Hamas terrorist group to civil rights leaders Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. The video sparked controversy and raised questions about Alnaji’s views.
Witnesses at the scene have described Alnaji as “aggressive” and claim he attempted to provoke Kessler and other pro-Israel protesters. One witness stated that Alnaji was using a megaphone to shout directly into the faces of pro-Israel demonstrators.
The arrest of Alnaji has brought attention to the ongoing tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups in California. The incident has sparked calls for justice and further examination of the circumstances surrounding Kessler’s death.
The investigation into Paul Kessler’s death and the arrest of Loay Alnaji highlight the need for peaceful and respectful dialogue between opposing groups during demonstrations. It serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of escalating tensions and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all participants.
