LA District Attorney Announces Hate Crime Charges Against Beverly Hills Menorah Vandalism Suspect

“The ugliness of antisemitism has revealed itself in many ways throughout our community and across the country in recent weeks. I condemn it, and we must make clear that such hate will not be tolerated. The conduct alleged in this case is despicable, especially coming during one of the most joyous times of the year for Jewish people. We will always stand up against such hatred and hold accountable those who commit hate crimes in Los Angeles County.”

[additional-authors]

Aaron Bandler

December 22, 2022

MCCAIG / Getty Images

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon announced on December 21 that his office will pursue hate crime charges against the man suspected of vandalizing a Beverly Hills menorah on December 18.

In a press release, Gascon said: ““The ugliness of antisemitism has revealed itself in many ways throughout our community and across the country in recent weeks. I condemn it, and we must make clear that such hate will not be tolerated. The conduct alleged in this case is despicable, especially coming during one of the most joyous times of the year for Jewish people. We will always stand up against such hatred and hold accountable those who commit hate crimes in Los Angeles County.”

#BREAKING: DA Gascón announced that a #Texas man has been charged w/felony vandalism w/a hate crime allegation in connection w/the defacing of a menorah that was displayed at a #BeverlyHills home in celebration of #Hannukah.

Read the release: https://t.co/RzDuYzBP1c

Statement: pic.twitter.com/A8ZiYdxjmm

— George Gascón (@LADAOffice) December 20, 2022

As previously reported by the Journal, the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Eric Brian King from Dallas, TX, allegedly carved Nazi symbols into the menorah as well as tossed various objects at it. The menorah was located at a private residence. King is scheduled for arraignment on December 30, according to Gascon’s office.

Anti-Defamation League Los Angeles Regional Director Jeffrey I. Abrams said in a December 19 statement, “We thank the Beverly Hills Police Department for its swift response to this disgusting act of antisemitic vandalism in the eve of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. We look forward to learning more from the follow-up investigation.”

A statement from ADL LA’s @JeffreyAbrams on the vandalization of a menorah on a private residence in Beverly Hills on the eve of Hanukkah. With @BeverlyHillsPD’s support, we can #ShineALight on the darkness of hate. https://t.co/maTR6SetCp pic.twitter.com/n6HkeHtJys

— ADL Southern California (@ADLSoCal) December 19, 2022