Arrest of Moorpark College Professor in Fatal Incident with Jewish Protester
The arrest of Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, a Moorpark College professor, in connection with the death of Jewish protester Paul Kessler, has stirred significant reactions in Thousand Oaks and beyond. Alnaji, 50, was arrested early Thursday at his Moorpark home on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, with bail set at $1 million.
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office announced plans to file two felony charges against Alnaji — involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury. This development follows the tragic incident during a clash between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators earlier this month, where Kessler suffered fatal head injuries.
Despite Alnaji declining to comment and no attorney identified for him, the community has been vocal. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles expressed relief at the arrest, emphasizing that violence against the Jewish community will not be tolerated. Similarly, Rabbi Ari Averbach of Temple Etz Chaim, where Kessler’s family are members, expressed relief that justice appears to be progressing.
The incident occurred on November 5 at a Free Palestine rally in Thousand Oaks. Kessler, supporting Israel, fell backward during a confrontation with Alnaji and hit his head, leading to his death. Initially, conflicting witness statements complicated the arrest, but new evidence seems to have catalyzed Alnaji’s apprehension.
An autopsy confirmed Kessler died from a blunt force injury to the back of his head. Ventura County Chief Medical Examiner Christopher Young clarified that the manner of death as homicide does not imply criminal intent but indicates death caused by another person's actions.
This case has spotlighted the tensions within the community, raising questions about potential hate crime charges. Rabbi Averbach and others are looking to law enforcement for answers and urging people to trust the legal process.
Alnaji’s academic background includes positions at Al Ain University in the UAE and various teaching roles in the United States. His online presence, which included pro-Palestinian stances, has been largely deleted following the incident.
The Ventura County Community College District responded to Alnaji's arrest by placing him on administrative leave, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Legal experts like Lou Shapiro and Dmitry Gorin indicate that involuntary manslaughter charges in such cases are not uncommon, emphasizing the importance of witness accounts and the circumstances of the physical altercation.
The community, while relieved at the progress in the case, remains watchful. The incident has not only highlighted the deep-seated complexities of geopolitical conflicts but also their impact at a local level. As the case unfolds, it brings to the forefront issues of community safety, accountability, and the broader implications of international conflicts on domestic soil.