Sunnyvale Man Arrested for Assault During Pro-Palestinian Vigil

UPDATE: A Sunnyvale man has been arrested following a shocking incident at a pro-Palestinian vigil on the Highway 101 overcrossing. Joshua Krupia, 41, was taken into custody after he cut down flags and banners, leading to a violent altercation that resulted in injuries to two individuals.

The incident unfolded just before 5:30 p.m. on November 7, 2023, when Krupia approached the peaceful demonstration organized by volunteers advocating for justice for Gaza. Eyewitnesses reported that he shouted racist slurs before escalating the situation by using a pocketknife to destroy the flags and banners.

According to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, Krupia struck one person in the head with a flashlight, causing minor injuries, and punched another individual. Officers arrived on the scene to find Krupia being detained by several bystanders. He was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and subsequently booked into Santa Clara County Jail.

The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) has condemned the assault, labeling it a hate-motivated attack against community members exercising their right to free expression. CAIR-SFBA Director Zahra Billoo stated, “

We are outraged by this reported violent assault on community members peacefully advocating for Palestinian human rights. This was not just vandalism — it was a hate-motivated attack that left people injured while exercising their right to free expression.

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As the situation develops, authorities are expected to provide further details on the charges against Krupia and the ongoing investigation into the incident. This event highlights the growing tensions surrounding protests and the urgent need for dialogue on sensitive issues affecting communities worldwide.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it continues to unfold.