California Judge Sentences Pro-Palestinian Attacker to One Year for Killing Jewish Man with Megaphone

In a controversial ruling in Thousand Oaks, California, Louis Abdelfattah Alnaji received only a one-year county jail sentence for the death of 69-year-old Jewish-American Paul Kasler. The incident occurred on November 5, 2023, about a month after the October 7 massacre, during a pro-Palestinian protest where Kasler was part of a pro-Israel group. Alnaji, a 53-year-old computer science professor, crossed the street to confront Kasler and struck him on the head with a megaphone, causing Kasler to fall, hit his head on the pavement, and die the next day in hospital.

Alnaji pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault, admitting aggravating factors including use of a weapon, causing serious bodily harm, and the victim’s vulnerability. Despite these facts and a maximum sentence of four years for such offenses, the judge sentenced him to only one year in county jail, not state prison. Alnaji’s lawyer indicated that due to good behavior, he might serve just six months before probation.

The lenient sentence sparked strong opposition from the district attorney’s office. District Attorney Eric Nesarnko demanded a state prison sentence to reflect the severity of the violent act and to deter similar crimes. He emphasized that Alnaji’s deliberate crossing of the street to attack Kasler warranted a harsher punishment. The ruling has left Kasler’s family and the Jewish community feeling a profound sense of injustice.