The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating as a possible hate crime a protest targeting a prominent pro-Israel advocate, an incident that saw activists light smoke bombs and splatter fake blood on the sidewalk and driveway outside his home.
“The Department’s Major Crimes Division is investigating this incident as a hate crime,” LAPD Chief Michael Moore said in a Friday statement. “Video evidence and other information is being collected to identify those responsible for the vandalism and assault on a neighbor.”
The People’s City Council of Los Angeles claimed responsibility for the Thanksgiving protest, which saw a dozen or so activists descend on a Brentwood residence identified as the vacation home of Michael Tuchin, president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Friday that “I’ve spoken with Chief Moore and those impacted by yesterday’s disturbing incident.”
“Hate and violence will not be tolerated in our City,” Ms. Bass wrote on X. “LAPD will continue to work with city and business leaders to keep Angelenos safe.”
The Department’s Major Crimes Division is investigating this incident as a hate crime. Video evidence and other information is being collected to identify those responsible for the vandalism and assault on a neighbor. https://t.co/aZEpXnGlYZ
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) November 24, 2023
A video posted by Stop Antisemitism showed anti-Israel protesters chanting, beating drums and waving smoke bombs in the quiet Brentwood neighborhood as neighbors looked on in alarm.
Mr. Tuchin’s home was targeted following a report that the AIPAC PAC plans to spend $100 million to defeat far-left pro-Palestinian House Democrats known as “the Squad,” including Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Michigan Democrat.
The People’s City Council wrote on X that “AIPAC spends tens of millions to control pro-genocide congressmembers.”
The investigation came with Los Angeles emerging as a hub for pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel activism after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, which prompted Israel to declare war.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched on The Grove shopping mall on Black Friday, blocking intersections and prompting the LAPD to issue a precautionary tactical alert.
“The LAPD’s objective is to ensure public safety for all, while facilitating the First Amendment rights of those peacefully demonstrating,” the department statement read. “Equally the department will enforce the law when individuals engage in acts of violence.”
The Los Angeles area has seen dozens of demonstrations since the Oct. 7 attack, including a Nov. 4 protest by dueling Palestinian-Israeli activists at which 69-year-old Paul Kessler was injured and later died following a confrontation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator.
Loay Alnaji, 50, of Moorpark, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury — both felonies — in connection with the death of Kessler, a Jewish man who attended the protest in support of Israel.
Police have also launched a hate-crime investigation into vandalism at Canters Deli after antisemitic graffiti was found spray-painted Nov. 1 on the exterior of the historic eatery, a fixture in Los Angeles’ Fairfax District since 1931.
The Washington Times has reached out to AIPAC for comment.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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