Three individuals charged with violently attacking two Israeli-Americans outside a diner in San Jose, Northern California, will not face hate crime charges, as confirmed by prosecutors.
Ramon Acoyans, 18, Roma Acoyans, 20, and Brunille Chamaki, 32, have been charged with felony assault; Chamaki is dealing with additional misdemeanor charges after surrendering to the police on Monday.
Initially, investigators looked into potential hate crime implications since the Hebrew-speaking victims reported that their attackers had used anti-Semitic remarks.
The Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office indicates that the case is “still an active investigation,” although the reasons behind the decision not to pursue hate crime charges remain unclear.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack “abhorrent,” while San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan stated that “anti-Semitism and all acts of hate have no place in San Jose.”
The attack occurred during the day on March 8 outside the upscale Augustine restaurant on Santana Row.
Witnesses reported that the suspects targeted the victims after overhearing them speaking Hebrew, stopping to assault them as they passed. During the attack, they allegedly made statements in Persian, including “Don’t mess with Iran!”
Witnesses also mentioned that the assailants yelled derogatory terms at the victims.
Chamaki, who is the oldest among the three, is set to be admitted to the California Bar this year and is registered as a corporate attorney. It seems the law firm that employed him has removed online references to him.
The trio has a history of posting disturbing photos and videos featuring high-powered firearms online, including images of them with handguns and AR-15-style rifles.
One video shows Ramon firing a rifle, while another image features individuals alongside gunmen, with one holding a sign that reads, “I am an Assyrian soldier currently serving the Assyrians in this sector.” It’s unclear what this sign specifically referred to.
The victims have not yet spoken out publicly regarding the absence of hate charges against their attackers. Although none required hospitalization, they experienced injuries like cuts and headaches from the incident.
These three men are due for arraignment in May and are currently out on bail.
