Downers Grove Police Investigate Possible Hate Crime In Restaurant
November 18, 2024 8:39AM CST
Downers Grove police are investigating an attack at a Panera Bread after a woman allegedly yelled profanities, slapped a man, and threw coffee on him and his pregnant wife over his sweatshirt supporting Palestine. The confrontation, caught on camera Saturday, escalated when the woman made derogatory remarks and claimed, “This is America.” The victim, Waseem Zahran, says the attack was unprovoked, and he has since faced online death threats. Panera Bread released a statement emphasizing its commitment to a welcoming environment. The woman involved has been identified but has not yet been charged.