Illinois Woman Faces Hate Crime Charges

Alexandra Szustakiewicz, a 64-year-old woman from Darien, Illinois, has been charged with two felony counts of hate crime and a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct following an altercation at a Panera Bread in Downers Grove. The incident involved Szustakiewicz confronting Waseem Zahran, who was wearing a sweatshirt with 'Palestine' on it, and using expletives before attempting to hit the phone of Zahran's pregnant wife as she recorded the encounter. This altercation, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, reflects broader concerns about increasing anti-Palestinian sentiment. Szustakiewicz was arrested the day after the incident and has been ordered by a judge to avoid contact with the victims and the Panera Bread location where it occurred. DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the behavior, emphasizing the need for respect and civility in society. The case is set for a court appearance on December 16.