The heir to one of California’s largest raisin companies is facing three felony hate crime charges for allegedly threatening to kill a rabbi, according to prosecutors.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said the incident occurred June 5, when Bruce Lion allegedly shouted antisemitic threats from his Pacific Palisades home at a neighbor who was a rabbi leading an evening prayer service.
About a week after the alleged incident, Lion was arrested. Video of the arrest shows him appearing frustrated and shouting profanity.
“Hate has no place in Los Angeles County,” said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “My office is aggressively prosecuting these disturbing acts that tear at the fabric of our society. Los Angeles County is experiencing an alarming increase in hate crimes, with record-high antisemitic offenses and unprecedented levels of crimes targeting individuals based on their religion, race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. Our county is home to hundreds of cultures and traditions, and we will prosecute any crime motivated by prejudice against them.”…