THOUSAND OAKS, CA — An elderly man lost his life following a dispute at a pro-Israel rally in California, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department reported on Monday.

The incident occurred at an intersection in Thousand Oaks on Sunday when Paul Kessler, 69, engaged in a dispute with another individual. The confrontation escalated into a physical encounter during which Kessler fell, sustaining a fatal head injury. Authorities arrived at the scene in response to a battery report at the rally location.

Officials said an investigation into the event is underway, with considerations being given to the potential classification of the incident as a hate crime. Further details are pending as the authorities continue to gather information. The identity of the other individual involved has not been disclosed.