As tensions rise across the United States over the Israel-Hamas war, demonstrations are drawing thousands of Palestine and Israel supporters. During a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Thousand Oaks on Sunday, November 5, a “physical altercation” erupted between a 50-year-old demonstrator and Paul Kessler suffered a serious head injury during a fall.

Kessler was pronounced dead on November 6 at a local hospital.

Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the cause of death as a “blunt force head injury”. Kessler’s death has been ruled a homicide.

The suspect, a Moorpark resident, was questioned and later released.

Fryhoff asks the public for help in the investigation.