PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ill. – Following the horrifying hate crime in Plainfield Township, where a six-year-old Muslim boy lost his life and his mother was gravely injured, national and state leaders have united in their call for vigilance and unity.
Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly emphasized the state’s continuous efforts to maintain security amidst the rising tensions of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. “Everyone in Illinois both law enforcement and community members alike- must remain on guard against both terrorism and hate crimes during this period of volatility,” Kelly warned, urging the public to report any suspicious activities. Currently, ISP has maintained a heightened state of readiness, actively engaging with Muslim and Jewish communities for their safety and welfare.
Reflecting the nation’s shock, President Biden issued a statement, “This horrific act of hate has no place in America and stands against our fundamental values.” Governor Pritzker condemned the heinous act, expressing his sorrow, “To take a six-year-old child’s life in the name of bigotry is nothing short of evil… Every single Illinoisan, including Muslim, Jewish, and Palestinian neighbors, deserves to live free from the threat of such evil.” The Anti-Defamation League also voiced their distress, expressing condolences to the Muslim community and firmly opposing all forms of anti-Muslim hate.
Will County Executive, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, echoed the calls for public vigilance and shared her deep condolences with the grieving family. Urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior, “Words can’t express how reprehensible this act of violence is. My heart breaks for this mother and her child, along with their family,” Bertino-Tarrant stated in a statement Sunday. “If you see something, say something.”
