Sheriff: Man Involved in Deadly Altercation With Jewish Protester Not Arrested

A 50-year-old man called 9-1-1 and told law enforcement at the scene that he was involved in the confrontation that led to the elderly Jewish man’s death.

Paramedics assist Paul Kessler, 69, after he sustained a head injury during a fight with a pro-Palestinian protester in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Nov. 5, 2023. Mr. Kessler died in the hospital on Nov. 6. Courtesy of Rabbi Mark Blazer

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.—The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has launched a homicide investigation into the death of Paul Kessler, 69, after he sustained a fatal head injury during a fight with a pro-Palestinian protester Nov. 5 in Thousand Oaks, California, Sheriff James Fryhoff announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

So far, only one suspect has been identified, the sheriff said, a man who told law enforcement at the scene that he was involved in the altercation with Mr. Kessler.