U.S. Rep. Sam Liccardo today denounced a violent assault on two Israeli Americans at Santana Row the day before, saying the incident has shaken members of San Jose’s Jewish and Israeli communities. Liccardo called for those responsible to be brought to justice and urged a full law-enforcement response, as the case renews concerns about bias-motivated violence in the area.
What Lawmakers Said
In a post on X, Rep. Sam Liccardo called the assault unacceptable and voiced support for a criminal investigation. Liccardo represents California’s 16th Congressional District, which includes San Jose, according to his official congressional biography. He framed the attack as an assault on the broader community and urged that prosecutors bring charges if a bias motive is confirmed.
We must all condemn the violent assault on two Israeli Americans yesterday at Santana Row. Violence targeting any members of our community—including our Jewish and Israeli community members—amounts to an attack on all of us.
— Sam Liccardo (@sliccardo) March 10, 2026
I support SJPD’s full investigation of this crime to… https://t.co/g4tMZSi1nl
How The Case Could Be Handled
If investigators conclude the attack targeted the victims because of their religion or national origin, California law allows prosecutors to seek hate-crime sentence enhancements and related penalties, according to guidance from the California Attorney General. Local police agencies also follow specific protocols when they suspect a bias-motivated offense. The San José Police Department, for instance, publishes state hate-crime definitions and basic investigative steps in its public materials.
Local Context And Concerns
The incident comes amid heightened tensions across the Bay Area tied to international events and a series of high-profile local cases that have alarmed Jewish families and community leaders. Those concerns include reports that school districts mishandled antisemitism complaints, as reported by the Bay Area News Group and other local outlets.
Santana Row has also seen serious violence in recent years, including a fatal stabbing that drew intense scrutiny and extensive media coverage. ABC7 reported on that Valentine’s Day homicide and the investigation that followed.
How To Report Tips And What To Watch Next
Liccardo said he intends to keep an eye on the case as San Jose police continue their investigation. Anyone with information about crimes in the city is asked to contact the San José Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers, as outlined on the department’s reporting page. San José Police Department resources include the P3TIPS app and the Crime Stoppers tip line.
