An arrest was made on Friday, May 21, 2021 for the alleged anti-Semitic assault on diners at Sushi Fumi this past Tuesday. Police say a man was taken into custody as a primary suspect for the attack that occurred in the Beverly Grove area. The incident occured just steps away from the West Hollywood city line.
KTLA 5 news reports that LAPD has determined there were five victims involved in the incident, which is being investigated as a hate crime. Tips from the public poured in, and investigators were able to identify one of the primary suspects. They tracked him at a home outside Los Angeles, according to a Saturday LAPD news release.
Videos posted on social media show a group of men yelling pro-Palestinian chants and waving Palestinian flags from their cars. They then targeted Jewish individuals at the sushi restaurant. They yelled anti-Semitic slurs at the diners. One of the diners yelled back at the group of men and a violent fight broke out.
According to video footage the group approached the diners. A man sitting at one of the tables picks up a rope pole to ward off the individuals. That man was then seen dragged toward a nearby car, pinned by the group, and punched.
One of the diners, who is not Jewish, told CBSLA that men in a caravan began throwing bottles at him and the group he was dining with. The man said he was physically attacked when he tried to defend the group. He said the men used anti-Jewish profanity. He said he was pepper sprayed during the attack and had to go to the hospital.
The suspects were described as white men wearing all black. They fled south on La Cienega Boulevard in a vehicle described as a black Jeep. The Sushi Fumi did not sustain any damage. CBSLA reports that according to police there were no major injuries reported.
The City of West Hollywood released a statement condemning the alleged anti-Semitic assault:
“The City of West Hollywood has heard from community members about concerns regarding an allegedly anti-Semitic hate incident last night,” reads the statement. “The incident took place in the City of Los Angeles, just outside of the City of West Hollywood’s boundaries. One of the City of West Hollywood’s fundamental core values is respect and support for all people. Since its founding [West Hollywood] has provided support & leadership on many progressive & humane policies & has championed values that promote & celebrate diversity, embrace people & cultures from everywhere, & reject divisiveness, racism, anti-Semitism, & hate in all its forms. We will not be deterred in our stand against hatred and intolerance. We will continue our work to ensure safety throughout West Hollywood, including places of worship and religious organizations.”
The suspect arrested has not been identified and no further details are yet available.
Anyone with information on the anti-Semitic assault is asked to contact the LAPD’s Wilshire Division hotline at 213-922-8230 or email [email protected]. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
