Christopher Khamis Victor Husary during the Jan. 6, 2024, protest in El Cerrito (Photo: El Cerrito PD) and at another protest in his profile photo posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 7, 2024, and his Instagram account on or before Feb. 1, 2024.
For hate crimes, robbery, arson during actions at Israel-Gaza protest, counter-protest
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
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 for criminal offenses that occurred during a protest in El Cerrito. (See related article)
On January 6th, 2024, a gathering of 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, Husary attacked a woman, taking 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, and with the assistance of the public, police investigators were able to identify Husary as the individual responsible for the offenses. On February 28th, a warrant for his arrest was issued. Police also served Husary with a search warrant of his residence in Hayward – which 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
Christopher Khamis Victor Husary seen with a megaphone at a protest on Solano Avenue in Albany, CA in a photo posted on his Instagram account on or before Feb. 1, 2024.
In a video posted on his Instagram account on or before Feb. 1, 2024, Husary can be seen marching with other protesters on Solano Avenue in Albany, CA and heard yelling chants through a megaphone which were repeated by the others, “Free, free, free Palestine. Occupation is a crime. Genocide is a crime. Netanyahu, you can’t hide. Killing children is a crime. Killing women is a crime.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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