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LOS ANGELES () — The heir to one of California’s largest raisin companies is facing three felony hate crime charges for allegedly threatening to kill a rabbi, according to prosecutors.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said the incident occurred June 5, when Bruce Lion allegedly shouted antisemitic threats from his Pacific Palisades home at a neighbor who was a rabbi leading an evening prayer service.
About a week after the alleged incident, Lion was arrested. Video of the arrest shows him appearing frustrated and shouting profanity.
“Hate has no place in Los Angeles County,” said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “My office is aggressively prosecuting these disturbing acts that tear at the fabric of our society. Los Angeles County is experiencing an alarming increase in hate crimes, with record-high antisemitic offenses and unprecedented levels of crimes targeting individuals based on their religion, race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. Our county is home to hundreds of cultures and traditions, and we will prosecute any crime motivated by prejudice against them.”
The arraignment for Lion, an heir to Lion Raisins in Selma, California, was postponed Thursday after authorities said he refused to leave his jail cell, prompting a judge to order that he be forcibly brought to court.
Rabbi Zushe Cunin, a neighbor who said he has been targeted by Lion’s behavior for months, has been waiting all week for the court proceedings to move forward.
“Everybody has their way, and there’s differences of opinion, but they’re unified, and this is just unearthing. It’s just incredible,” Cunin said.
Cunin said Lion’s alleged outbursts have been ongoing for about four months and described the behavior as disturbing.
“You know, I don’t know if it’s a drug issue, a mental health issue, but it’s unacceptable,” he said.
Additional video circulating online appears to show Lion outside a Los Angeles Chabad center making further hateful remarks.
In one clip, Lion says, “The Jews burn it down to rebuild it … can you believe that sh*t?”
In another, he continues his tirade, saying, “Not Bank of America, and definitely not that f***ing Charles Schwab.”
Late Wednesday, Lion Raisins issued a statement addressing the situation, saying in part, “Recent reports about the conduct of Bruce Lion are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of Lion Raisins. Bruce Lion does not actively participate in the company’s day-to-day operations.”
The company did not clarify whether Lion remains an heir or maintains any involvement with the business.
Efforts to obtain further comment from the company were unsuccessful, according to our sister station KFSN in Fresno. A receptionist said, “I can’t answer that question.”
A call to Lion’s brother was also unsuccessful, with the person who answered ending the call after a reporter identified themselves.
Lion remains in custody as authorities work to bring him before a judge.
If convicted, Lion faces more than nine years in state prison.
KFSN-TV contributed to this report.
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