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The Asheville Police Department (APD) are looking for a person of interest in connection to an assault that took place in the West Asheville Library. Three people attending a seminar, called “Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance,” were attacked when one of them started to live stream the event; all three suffered minor injuries. The APD have already arrested one individual, Taylor Danielle Zarkin, on charges of resisting, delay, and obstruct; further charges may be added as the investigation progresses, with body camera footage and interviews being reviewed.
Asheville Police Seek Public’s Help in West Asheville Library Assault Case
The Asheville Police Department (APD) is seeking public assistance in identifying a person of interest in the West Asheville Library Assault investigation. The assault incident occurred at a seminar hosted by “Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair”, attended by three individuals, two of them Jewish.
Victims, David Moritz, Monica Buckley, and Bob Campbell, claim they were attacked after Buckley started to live stream the event on her phone. All three suffered minor injuries. The assault is under investigation by Asheville Police.
“We’re treating this case with utmost seriousness,” said Capt. Joe Silberman of Asheville Police. Silberman noted that the case is under active investigation, with potential for additional charges pending review of the evidence.
The APD has not classified the incident as a hate crime yet, but they are conducting a thorough inquiry with a dedicated detective from the major case unit.
Silberman emphasized the need for public cooperation, “Like in many of our investigations, we’re soliciting the public’s help.” The police have already arrested Taylor Danielle Zarkin, 35, charging her with two counts of resisting, delay and obstruct.
Concerning the event, Buncombe County stated that an outside group had reserved a meeting room at the library under the name of “Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair”. The county added that the incident was not a county-sponsored event and they are in no way affiliated with the group.
Despite Zarkin listing Asheville Public Library System as her employer, the county clarified that she has never been a Buncombe County employee. Buncombe County reassured the public that it does not condone violence or hate crimes.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to reach out to the Asheville Police Department by texting TIP2APD to 847411, using the TIP2APD smartphone app, or calling 828-252-1110.
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