Felony charges filed against Hayward man for criminal acts during Israel-Hamas war protest
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Mar. 1, 2024) — The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a three-count felony complaint with special hate crime allegations attached to each charge against 36-year-old Christopher Khamis Victor Husary of Hayward. The charges stem from criminal offenses that occurred during a protest in El Cerrito.
On January 6, 2024, protesters and counter-protesters assembled in Albany for a demonstration on the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza’s Palestinian territory. While participating in the protest in El Cerrito, Christopher Husary allegedly attacked a woman. He reportedly took an Israeli flag she was carrying, and set it on fire. Also, Husary pushed another woman and took another Israeli flag that was draped around her shoulders.
The El Cerrito Police Department initiated an investigation into the incident. With the assistance of the public, police investigators identified Husary as the individual responsible for the offenses. On February 28, a warrant for his arrest was issued. Police also served Husary with a search warrant of his residence in Hayward. The search produced additional evidence that linked him to the charged crimes.
He is currently in the Martinez Detention Facility and will be arraigned in Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa on the following charges:
- Second Degree Robbery [PC 211]
- Grand Theft Person [PC 487(c)]
- Arson of Property of Another [PC 451(d)]
- Special Allegations – Hate Crimes [PC 422.75(a)]
District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized that “While the First Amendment is fundamental to our democracy, it doesn’t protect threats, injury, intimidation, or property damage. Moreover, when such actions stem from biases related to race, gender, religion, ancestry, or national origin, they become hate crimes.”
Case No. 02-24-00279 | The People of the State of California v. Husary, Christopher