Three Asheville residents were attacked at an event at the West Asheville Public Library on June 29th, just days before the Shalom Act was signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper. The victims reported an altercation followed by assault, with the incident happening while they were live-streaming on social media. The event was hosted by the Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair (ACAB) and titled “Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance.” Local news reports identified the victims as Monica Buckley, David Moritz, and Bob Campbell. An attendee at the event accused the victims of being Zionists, leading to a confrontation.
The incident occurred amid a rise in anti-Semitic attacks across the country since the attack by Hamas on October 7th, 2023. The Asheville Police Department is actively investigating the incident and seeking to hold those responsible accountable. Two individuals have been identified as persons of interest in the assault, with one person already charged with resisting, delay, and obstruction. The attack has sparked statements from both ACAB and the victims, with each side presenting conflicting narratives of the events that took place. The victims maintain that they were targeted and subjected to violence, while ACAB accuses them of provocation and disruptive behavior.
Asheville Mayor Esther E. Manheimer condemned the violence, emphasizing the city’s commitment to diversity and safety for all residents. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of hate crimes and the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such acts in the community.
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