The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR–SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed criminal protective (stay away) orders issued by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against defendant Joshua Krupia following his violent attack on Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Sunnyvale.
CAIR-SFBA has been assisting the demonstrators as they pursue accountability following the attack on the evening of Nov. 7, 2025. According to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, Krupia was arrested after physically assaulting the demonstrators and cutting down Palestinian flags hanging from a Highway 101 overcrossing.
Amid community concern about rising hate incidents targeting Muslims and allies in the Sunnyvale area, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed Krupia is being charged with battery and assault with a deadly weapon.
During Krupia’s arraignment hearing on Jan. 7, Judge Thomas Kuhnle issued criminal protective orders requiring Krupia to stay 100 yards away from the targeted demonstrators and wear a GPS ankle monitor. The next hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 9 a.m.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Civil Rights Attorney Bismah Jaffer said:
“We are alarmed by the steady rise in hate incidents targeting Pro-Palestinian demonstrators across the Bay Area. This is one of many cases reported to CAIR-SFBA, and we welcome the court’s decision to prioritize the safety of the targeted community members through these protective orders. Measures like these send a clear message that violence and intimidation motivated by bias will be taken seriously by our justice system.”
CAIR-SFBA encourages community members to take the following steps if they witness or experience a bias incident:
- Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings, especially near houses of worship and community centers.
- Document the incident: If safe, record details and gather witness accounts, photos, or video.
- Report to law enforcement: Request that the incident be investigated and documented as a hate crime if appropriate.
CAIR-SFBA reiterates its commitment to combating bigotry, racism and hate in all forms and encourages anyone experiencing acts of aggression, racism or Islamophobia to contact its Civil Rights Department at 408.986.9874 or visit bit.ly/cairsfba-report-hate.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com