No hate crime charges filed against suspect in attack at Tower District's 'Porchfest'

Friday, May 10, 2024
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The man suspected of a violent attack on Pro-Palestinian supporters at a Fresno music festival has been charged but not for a hate crime.

Francisco Samaniego is accused of attacking three women at the Tower District's 'Porch Fest' event on April 27.
[Ads /]
The brutal altercation was caught on camera as punches were thrown.

Previous Report: Man arrested for hate crime incident at 'Porchfest' in Fresno's Tower District, police say

Witnesses say Samaniego confronted the women for their Pro-Palestinian views.

But after reviewing the incident, the Fresno County District Attorney's Office did not file hate crime charges.
[Ads /]
Prosecutors say since most of Samaniego's comments were directed at Hamas, there is insufficient evidence to pursue hate crime charges under the law.



Samaniego faces charges of battery and second-degree robbery for grabbing and damaging a victim's cell phone.

He's out on bond and will return to court next week after Friday morning's hearing was continued.
Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.