Alleged Antisemitic Assault Shakes Prestigious Shopping District: Lawyer Among Three Charged

An attorney from California finds himself embroiled in legal trouble, joining two others charged with a brazen daylight assault at Santana Row, a chic shopping and dining area known for its upscale allure. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential antisemitic hate crime, following reports that slurs were allegedly hurled during the attack.

The accused individuals, Bruneil Henry Chamaki, a 32-year-old resident of Morgan Hill, along with brothers Roma and Ramon Akoyans, have voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement, according to police statements.

Prosecutors have leveled a combination of felony and misdemeanor charges related to assault and battery against the trio, with a court appearance scheduled for their arraignment on May 12.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen did not hold back in his remarks regarding the seriousness of the case.

Mugshots of the suspects, Roma and Ramon Akoyans and Bruneil Henry Chamaki, have been released in conjunction with the investigation. The assault took place near the Augustine restaurant at Santana Row, further intensifying the probe into whether this incident constitutes an antisemitic hate crime.

“We won’t tolerate pummeling a victim on the ground in front of a restaurant or anywhere,” Rosen said. “Our public spaces have to be safe for all to enjoy without fear.”

For now, prosecutors say they are not filing hate crime charges, but stress the case is still under investigation.

Police say arrest warrants were obtained for the three suspects, who all surrendered without incident.

“This remains an active case, and we will continue working closely with the District Attorney’s Office as it moves through the criminal justice process,” San Jose police said in a statement. “Those responsible for this violent crime will be held accountable.”

Investigators also acknowledged community concern and said they worked “methodically” to build the case.

Police say surveillance video, social media and tips from the public helped identify the suspects.

Chamaki, one of the suspects, is a licensed attorney who previously worked at Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP. According to the firm, he has not been affiliated with them since the end of January.

“Murphy Austin was shocked and disturbed to learn of the violent incident reported in San Jose,” a spokesperson said in a statement to KTVU. “The conduct described in the reports is deeply troubling. Murphy Austin condemns antisemitism, violence, and acts of hatred in any form.”

Court records also list Roma Akoyans as a student at West Valley College.

Authorities said the victims alleged antisemitic language was used during the confrontation. (KTVU)

The attack unfolded March 8 outside the Augustine restaurant — right in the middle of Santana Row.

According to court documents, the victims — Israeli-American men — were standing outside waiting for a table and speaking Hebrew when three men approached them.

One of the victims later told police the men were looking at them “very weird,” prompting him to ask if they knew each other — that’s when things escalated.

Police say one of the suspects allegedly shouted “F— Jews” before all three began throwing punches, KTVU reported.

The violence escalated quickly.

One victim was knocked unconscious for several seconds, while another was surrounded and attacked.

Police said three male suspects allegedly approached two victims before the dispute escalated, and the suspects fled prior to officers arriving. (KTVU)

According to the report, one of the victims was beaten for roughly 20 seconds, with video showing the suspects repeatedly punching and kicking him while he was on the ground.

As the attack unfolded, bystanders could be heard yelling for the men to stop.

Another victim reported head pain and injuries to his elbow.

At least one witness told police they heard someone yell, “Don’t f— with Iran,” during the assault, according to KTVU.

The suspects then ran off, with surveillance video later capturing them leaving the area and getting into a car, investigators said.

Police say the victims later identified the suspects in photo lineups, and tips from the public helped solidify the case.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.