Man jailed for one year over 2023 death of Jewish protester in California

A man has received a one-year jail sentence for his role in the death of a Jewish protester during a clash between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in California in late 2023. Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji was sentenced to one year in Ventura County Jail, along with two years of felony probation.

Alnaji pleaded guilty in May to felony involuntary manslaughter and felony battery causing serious bodily injury. Prosecutors stated that Alnaji escalated a verbal altercation with Paul Kessler into a physical confrontation in November 2023. The incident occurred while both men were participating in opposing street rallies in Thousand Oaks, California.

Prosecutors detailed that Alnaji struck Kessler in the head with a megaphone, causing Kessler to fall and hit his head on the pavement. Kessler subsequently died from his injuries. Alnaji remained at the scene, called 911, and provided a statement to investigators. He was taken into custody days later and charged.

Prosecutors had sought a state prison sentence, objecting to the court's decision to impose only jail time and probation. The case highlights broader concerns about heightened threats against American Jews, Muslims, and Arabs amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

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Alnaji struck Kessler in the head with a megaphone, causing Kessler to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.