Insufficient Evidence to Arrest Suspect in Homicide of Jewish Protester Paul Kessler, Authorities Seek Public Help

Authorities highlight ongoing investigation challenges including lack of video evidence of altercation and conflicting witness accounts; community grieves as safety concerns rise.

Authorities have yet to arrest a suspect in the death of Jewish protester Paul Kessler due to lack of clear video evidence and conflicting witness accounts. Kessler died following a reported altercation at an Israel-Palestine rally in Thousand Oaks, California.
The public is urged to provide any additional footage from the incident to aid the investigation. Kessler's death has been ruled as a homicide but this does not imply murder or manslaughter, hence no immediate arrest.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Department stated that the case is still active and officers are working to establish sufficient evidence to recommend charges. Despite public frustration, they pointed out that law enforcement’s role is to investigate crimes, not prosecute them.
Kessler, seen waving an Israeli flag, was reportedly involved in an altercation with a pro-Palestinian protester, leading to his fatal fall. He died from blunt-force head trauma.
The investigation has been impacted by conflicting eyewitness accounts. The individual considered a suspect, a 50-year-old Moorpark resident, remained at the scene, has been cooperative, and was also among those who reported the incident to 911.
In response to concerns about safety, particularly for Jewish residents in the area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols but reported no signs of additional threats.