Jewish leaders are condemning a plea deal reached with a California man who admitted to fatally striking pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler during dueling demonstrations in November 2023. Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and felony battery causing serious bodily injury in connection with Kessler’s death, which followed a blow to the head with a megaphone. Kessler, 69, later died from his injuries, marking the first death in the United States tied to protests after the October 7 attack and ensuing war in Gaza.

Under the agreement, Alnaji is expected to serve no more than one year in county jail and could receive formal probation, despite facing a maximum possible sentence of four years in state prison. Prosecutors have objected to the deal, arguing that a prison sentence is necessary to reflect the severity of the crime and to deter future violence.

Leaders from major Jewish organizations said the anticipated sentence is too lenient and risks emboldening further attacks against Jewish communities. While some expressed disappointment that the punishment may not match the gravity of the loss, they acknowledged that the guilty plea brings a measure of closure to Kessler’s family and the broader community.