Library surveillance investigation concept
ASHEVILLE – While police are using surveillance camera footage to investigate and attempt to identify people in an alleged assault June 29 at West Asheville Library, city leaders are decrying violence in the community amid mounting local tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. Asheville Police Department officers responded to reports of a fight in progress around 2:57 p.m. June 29 at the library on Haywood Road, according to an APD news release.
The fight broke out in one of the library’s public meeting rooms during a seminar called “Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance,” which was part of the fifth annual Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair. Between 80 and 100 people were in attendance, according to police. Tensions arose over an attendee, Monica Buckley, 48, livestreaming the speech. She attended the event with two other alleged victims of the ensuing assault, David Moritz, 54, and Bob Campbell, 79. All three reside in the Asheville area.
In a video circulating on social media, an attendee says, “I don’t know if everyone is cool with it, but there’s livestreaming happening in this room right now.” Tensions escalated as the group discussed what to do about the livestream. The situation intensifies with verbal exchanges before turning physical. The video captures the altercation and the alleged assault on the three attendees. The incident led to injuries and the involvement of law enforcement and emergency services.
Asheville Police Department is investigating the incident and utilizing surveillance footage from the library to identify individuals involved. The department is committed to reducing violence targeting vulnerable groups like the Jewish community. City leaders, including Mayor Esther Manheimer, have condemned violence in the community and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to diversity and safety for all residents.
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