News Releases
February 26, 2026: Man Charged With Attempted Murder and Hate Crime Allegation and Attacks on Transgender Shopkeeper
Contact:
If convicted as charged, Paul Alan Thompson faces life in state prison
LOS ANGELES — A 23-year-old Los Angeles man has been charged with 11 felony counts, including attempted murder with a hate crime allegation, in connection with a string of violent attacks against a transgender shopkeeper near MacArthur Park last year.
“Violence fueled by hate strikes at the very core of our community and will not be tolerated,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “This defendant allegedly targeted the victim because she is transgender, repeatedly terrorizing and assaulting her in her own business. My office is committed to holding individuals accountable for crimes rooted in bias and ensuring that every member of our community feels safe and protected under the law.”
Paul Alan Thompson (dob 11/29/02) is charged in case 26CJCF01244 with one count of willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder; one count of assault with a firearm with personal use of a firearm; one count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present; one count of second-degree robbery; one count of use of tear gas; one count of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury; one count of assault with caustic chemicals; two counts of assault with a deadly weapon; and two counts of making criminal threats — all felonies. The complaint includes multiple special allegations, including hate crime allegations.
Thompson pleaded not guilty on Feb. 25 during his arraignment. His preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for March 10 in Department 34 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If convicted as charged, he faces life in state prison.
In incidents between April 8, 2025, and May 31, 2025, Thompson is accused of assaulting the victim multiple times at her shop near MacArthur Park, threatening the victim’s life because she is transgender and stealing money from her.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Stogel of the Organized Crime Division and being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
