Professor’s lawyer says video footage will clear his client charged in death of pro-Israel protester

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The attorney for a professor charged in the fatal incident involving a pro-Israel protester asserted that video evidence will exonerate his client. This development comes amid ongoing investigations by California authorities, who have yet to exclude the possibility of a hate crime in the incident.

Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, 50, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and battery in the death of 69-year-old Paul Kessler. These charges were leveled after extensive review of over 600 pieces of evidence and interviews with more than 60 witnesses, as stated by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. Alnaji, who has pleaded not guilty, could face prison if convicted, given the special allegations of causing great bodily harm attached to each charge.

The confrontation between Alnaji and Kessler occurred on November 5, during protests linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Kessler, a participant in a pro-Israel demonstration, sustained fatal head injuries after falling during a physical altercation with Alnaji. Kessler’s fall happened moments after Alnaji, reportedly having been provoked by Kessler’s aggressive behavior, might have inadvertently struck Kessler while aiming at his phone with a megaphone.

Ron Bamieh, Alnaji’s lawyer, maintains that his client did not cause Kessler’s fall and was several feet away when it occurred. He also raised concerns about the case being driven more by emotion than reason.

The authorities noted that Kessler had non-fatal facial injuries but did not specify their cause or the exact circumstances leading to his fall. Despite this, new physical and forensic evidence helped formulate the charges, according to Nasarenko, who also mentioned ongoing investigations to determine if the altercation involved hate speech.

Alnaji, a computer science professor, remained at the scene and reported the incident to the authorities. He has been an advocate for peace and humanitarian causes, as highlighted by his lawyer.

The district attorney has acknowledged the restraint shown by local Muslim and Jewish communities amidst rising national tensions and expressed gratitude for their trust in the legal process. He also met with Kessler’s family, who have requested privacy. Kessler, remembered for his long career in medical sales and as a college instructor and pilot, is survived by his wife and son.

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More about Professor Charged

• California Professor Charged in Protester’s Death
• Israel-Hamas Conflict and Legal Implications
• Involuntary Manslaughter: Legal Definition and Cases
• The Role of Video Evidence in Criminal Defense
• Hate Crime Laws and Investigations in the United States
• Community Responses to Political and Legal Issues