Bruce Lion, a 64-year-old heir to the Fresno-based Lion Raisins fortune, was captured on body camera footage unleash another barrage of antisemitic insults as he was taken into police custody in Los Angeles County.
The California Post obtained video showing Lion, who was arrested just before midnight Friday, surrounded by officers while wearing handcuffs. In the footage, Lion can be heard yelling expletives and anti-Jewish threats, including statements like 'Hey f—k you Jews, you're going to hell' and references to an impending 'judgment day.'
The rant continued as Lion asked a bystander filming his arrest if they were Jewish. 'Because it's starting. Five days ago. Judgment day motherf—r. Tell your friends,' he allegedly shouted.
Lion was also heard making threats against officers as they attempted to place him into a police cruiser. 'Listen motherf—er, I'll f—ng hurt you. Hey, call my lawyer, call my f—ng lawyer,' he stated in the footage before being placed inside the vehicle.
Background
Lion, who purchased the property next door to Rabbi Zushe Cunin's Chabad in March, has been accused of directing antisemitic attacks at the religious leader and interrupting congregation gatherings while shouting offensive statements in front of children, according to the rabbi's account.
The California Post previously obtained several videos showing Lion screaming from the balcony of his Pacific Palisades mansion, hurling nonsensical grievances about the Jewish faith and targeting Rabbi Cunin directly. The rabbi stated he has been dealing with Lion's antisemitism since the fruit scion moved into the neighborhood.
Rabbi Cunin described the impact on his community, including families, children, grandchildren, and Holocaust survivors who attend services at the Chabad. 'To have to live through this kind of behavior in this serene, beautiful little community, it's horrible,' he told reporters outside the courthouse Tuesday.
The Investigation
Lion was charged with making terror threats following his arrest Friday night. A friend of the Lion family, identifying herself only as Megan, appeared at a Los Angeles courthouse during Lion's scheduled court appearance Tuesday.
Megan told reporters she attended the hearing specifically to apologize to Rabbi Cunin on behalf of Lion. 'I'm very sorry for what happened, apologies to the rabbi,' she said. 'Whatever we have to do to make it right. They are neighbors, we just want peace.'
She explained that Lion has been troubled for some time and expressed hope that the arrest would lead to necessary medical intervention. 'Everyone wants Bruce to get the help he needs,' Megan stated.
Rabbi Cunin heard Megan's apology but maintained his focus on seeking justice rather than accepting conciliatory gestures from third parties. 'I don't know that there's a place for her to make apologies for him,' the rabbi said Tuesday. 'Apologies in life happen from the person who does the wrong. Although I do think it was well-meaning and well-intentioned, this is not about apologies. This is about action.'
Key Takeaways
- Bruce Lion, 64, heir to the Lion Raisins fortune, was arrested just before midnight Friday on terror threat charges
- Video shows Lion allegedly making antisemitic threats and slurs while being placed into police custody in Los Angeles County
- The suspect allegedly purchased a $5.3 million Pacific Palisades property next door to Rabbi Zushe Cunin's Chabad in March
- Lion had previously been filmed from his balcony directing antisemitic rhetoric at the rabbi and interrupting religious gatherings
- A family friend appeared at court Tuesday offering apologies on Lion's behalf, which Rabbi Cunin rejected as insufficient
- The Los Angeles Police Department is handling the investigation into the terror threat allegations
What's Next
Lion remains in custody pending further court proceedings. His next scheduled court date has not been publicly disclosed by Los Angeles County prosecutors. The LAPD continues its investigation into the antisemitic incidents, which include multiple videos allegedly depicting threatening behavior directed at Rabbi Cunin and members of his congregation.