Suspect in death of Jewish man at anti-Israel protest is California computer science professor

The person of interest in the killing of an elderly Jewish man at an anti-Israel protest in Los Angeles on Monday is a Muslim computer science professor who teaches at California State University Northridge and Moorpark College, according to Red State.

Loay Alnaji, 50, of Moorpark, is suspected of killing Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish man, at an anti-Israel demonstration near Westlake Blvd in Ventura City. Alnaji allegedly hit Kessler over the head with a megaphone that caused him to fall backwards and strike his head on the sidewalk.

Kessler died of his injuries after being transported to a local hospital and the medical examiner's office ruled his death a homicide.

Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said during a Tuesday press briefing that deputies had executed a search warrant at the home of a person of interest, aged 50, in Moorpark.

Alnaji's neighbors told Daily Mail that authorities arrived in SWAT armored vehicles and unmarked police cars. They said officers approached the professor's home with rifles drawn while wearing full gear. Alnaji has not yet been arrested or charged in the death of Kessler but has been questioned by police.

Alnaji is involved with multiple Islam groups and has publically vocalized support for Hamas terrorists, according to his social media accounts. The California professor is involved with the Islamic Society of Simi Valley and was the faculty advisor of the Moorpark College Muslim Student Association, which his son was an officer of, according to Red State.


(Alnaji's son featured as an officer for the Moorpark College Muslim Student Association)


(Alnaji featured on the Islamic Society of Simi Valley's website)


(Alnaji participating in an event with the Islamic Society of Simi Valley)

On Oct. 17, Alnaji shared a video to his Instagram account from Shahid King Bolsen who had compared Hamas terrorists to a legendary civil rights movement.

According to the Ventura County Community College District website, Alnaji has a link dedicated to the religious teachings of Islam. His profile states that Alnaji has a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Masters and Bachelors degree in Computer Science. He has reportedly taught courses that include computer architecture and organization, prog. concepts and methodology I and II, and server-side dev. using php.