Man accused of hate crime, battery at Tower District’s Porchfest in Fresno, police say
A man accused of a hate crime related to the conflict in the Gaza Strip was arrested during a weekend concert in Fresno’s Tower District, police said on Monday.
Multiple women working in a booth near Echo and Hedges avenues around 4 p.m. Saturday during Tower Porchfest were confronted by a man who they said was drunk and arguing with them about Palestine before the confrontation became physical, Fresno police said.
The man identified as Francisco Samaniego, 49, fled on foot after the scuffle with multiple women, police said.
Video going around social media during the weekend showed Samaniego holding a woman at arm’s length while throwing punches at her. Two other women also got involved as all parties appeared to throw punches before two others stepped in to pull the man away.
Police said officers found Samaniego a short distance away before he was arrested on suspicion of felony robbery and three misdemeanors: battery, a hate crime and vandalism.
He was booked into Fresno County Jail, according to police, but was not in custody on Monday, jail records show.
None of the women required serious medical attention immediately, police said.
Organizers of the musical event that sets up small performances on the front porches and lawns of homes in the Tower District commented Sunday on their Facebook page about the incident.
“This type of hateful violence is completely unacceptable and has no place at Tower Porchfest or in our community,” the post said. “We commend the porch host for promptly calling the police, who arrested the perpetrator. Hate crimes like this strike at the heart of the diversity, inclusivity and respect that Tower Porchfest celebrates through the sharing of music and culture from all backgrounds.”
Police Chief Paco Balderrama released a statement Monday, saying Fresno’s citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law.
“The Fresno community does not stand for hate or lawlessness, and we will continue to work with all members of our city to make sure everyone can express their beliefs without fear of violence,” the statement said in part.
Councilmember Annalisa Perea, whose District 1 includes the Tower District, issued a statement about 1:45 p.m. Monday. She commended the police response and urged residents to report potential hate crimes.
“We must stand together against hate and work tirelessly to promote understanding and acceptance within our community,” the statement said. “I extend my support to the victims of this incident and their families. We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time. I urge anyone who witnesses or experiences hate-motivated behavior to report it immediately to law enforcement.”
Anyone with information can report it to police at 559-621-7000.
