Illinois Man Faces Hate Crime Charges After Fatally Stabbing Palestinian American Boy, Injuring Mom

In a tragic incident, a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy lost his life, and his mother was critically injured when they were attacked by an Illinois man due to their Muslim faith, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The assailant targeted them because of their religion. The Will County Sheriff's Department reported that the 32-year-old woman called 911 on a Saturday morning, reporting that her landlord, identified as Joseph M. Czuba, was attacking her with a knife at their residence in southwest suburban Plainfield Township.

Law enforcement responded to the scene in the 16000 block of South Lincoln Highway at approximately 11:38 a.m., discovering both the woman and the young boy with multiple stab wounds, according to an autopsy report. The boy had suffered 26 stab wounds.

They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where the boy tragically succumbed to his injuries. The woman remained in serious condition.

The Palestinian American boy was identified as Wadea Al-Fayoume and his mother as Hanan Shaheen by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

The Chicago chapter of CAIR held a press conference with the victims' relatives, including the boy's father and uncle, at the Muslim Community Center in Chicago, Illinois.

This horrific incident occurred amidst escalating violence between Israel and Hamas. The attack by Hamas on October 7 led to a significant loss of life in Israel, with more than 1,300 casualties.

This, in turn, prompted a forceful retaliation that resulted in the loss of 2,670 lives in Gaza, according to officials in the region.

The conflict has raised concerns about a broader regional crisis and a worsening humanitarian situation across the Middle East.

Illinois Stabbing Incident

The tragic assault that occurred on a Saturday took place against the backdrop of escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group in control of the Gaza Strip, CNN reports.

Hamas initiated a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,300 casualties among Israelis.

This provocation triggered a forceful response that, according to officials in Gaza, has claimed the lives of 2,670 individuals.

The Middle East region is now gripped by mounting apprehension over a potential broadening of the conflict and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Suburban Chicago boasts a significant Palestinian American community, with a particular area often referred to as "Little Palestine," home to numerous Arab restaurants and shops.

However, the distressing attack occurred in a different part of the Chicago suburbs, within a residence situated along a bustling stretch of highway, near a Chevrolet dealership and a barbecue restaurant.

The property, approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, was characterized by several American flags, an advertisement for organic honey, and a sign advocating for prayers to end abortion.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a member of the Democratic Party, unequivocally condemned the incident, remarking that "to take a six-year-old child's life in the name of bigotry is nothing short of evil."

Illinois Man Arrested

Joseph M. Czuba, the alleged attacker and landlord of the victims, was arrested by Will County investigators, per ABC 7.

He now faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of committing a hate crime.

Ahmed Rehab, the president of CAIR, asserted that the crime was perpetrated by someone radicalized by the current environment that dehumanizes Palestinians.

The Will County Sheriff's Office deemed the attack "senseless" and "cowardly" and explicitly cited the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict between Hamas and the Israelis as the reason behind the victims' targeting without disclosing specific evidence.

Although Czuba, the Illinois man, has not provided a statement to the police, investigators believe they have gathered enough physical evidence and witness statements to support the charges filed against him.

He will remain in detention until his initial court appearance.

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Illinois mother, who was hospitalized in serious condition, is expected to survive her injuries, as confirmed by the sheriff's office.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 71-year-old man in custody after child, woman stabbed more than a dozen times - From ABC 7 Chicago