FBI Launches Intensive Probe of Heartbreaking Hate Crime: Tragic Murder of 6-year-old Palestinian-American Boy

The US Justice Department has launched a federal investigation into a hate crime, following the tragic death of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy and the severe injury of his mother. The incident occurred in Illinois, where the suspect, Joseph M. Czuba, aged 71, has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of a hate crime, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, as stated by the Will County Sheriffs Office.

According to the sheriff's office, Czuba did not provide a statement to the detectives. However, the investigators concluded that the victims were specifically chosen by the suspect because of their Muslim identity and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Hamas and the Israelis.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the Justice Department is committed to using all available legal means to hold accountable those who commit hateful and unlawful acts.

"This incident undoubtedly exacerbates the concerns of the Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities in our nation regarding violence driven by hatred," Garland stated. "The Department of Justice is dedicated to safeguarding the wellbeing and civil liberties of all individuals within this country."

Law enforcement was summoned to the residence located in unincorporated Plainfield Township, approximately 40 miles southwest of Chicago, during the late morning hours on Saturday after a female tenant dialed 911 to report an assault by her landlord, as per the sheriffs office.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered Czuba seated on the ground, in close proximity to the driveway of the residences, as mentioned in the release. The release also stated that both victims were located in a bedroom, with each victim having sustained "multiple stab wounds." Subsequently, they were promptly transported to a hospital for medical attention.

Joseph M. Czuba

Will County Sheriff's Office/AP

Wadea Al-Fayoume, a young boy, was fatally stabbed 26 times, resulting in his death. His mother, Hanaan Shahin, who suffered over a dozen stab wounds, is currently recovering at the hospital and is expected to survive, according to reports from the office.

Prior to this tragic incident, the family had resided on the ground floor of the houses for two years without any significant issues involving Czuba, the landlord, as stated by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. However, Shahin conveyed through texts sent from the hospital that the landlord had approached their door and upon opening, attempted to strangle her before attacking her with a knife. Allegedly, he shouted, "you Muslims must die," during the assault, as mentioned in the statement.

Czuba has been taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility and is currently awaiting his initial court appearance, as confirmed by the sheriff's office. The presence of an attorney representing him remains uncertain.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his sentiments in a statement, stating that taking the life of a six-year-old child under the guise of bigotry is undeniably wicked.

The governor expressed that every person in Illinois, including our Muslim, Jewish, and Palestinian neighbors, should be able to live without the fear of such cruelty. The governor, along with MK, stands in solidarity with the Muslim and Palestinian community, grieving over this tragic loss and hoping for Wadea’s mother's recovery. May the memory of Wadea Al-Fayoumes bring blessings.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were shocked by the attack, as stated in a White House press release. The statement emphasized that the Palestinian Muslim family had come to America in search of a refuge to peacefully live, learn, and pray. It further condemned the hateful act, asserting that it has no place in America and directly opposes the nation's core values, which include freedom from fear in terms of our religious practices, beliefs, and identity.

The statement from the White House emphasizes the need for Americans to unite and denounce Islamophobia as well as all forms of bigotry and hatred. It asserts the commitment to speaking out against hate and emphasizes that there is no place for hate towards anyone in America. Israels military has declared their readiness for future stages of the war in response to the attacks carried out by the Hamas militant group, which controls Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces reported to CNN that at least 1,400 individuals lost their lives during the Hamas rampage.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, more than 2,750 people have been killed as Israel retaliates by launching airstrikes on Gaza. Aid workers are describing the situation as a "complete catastrophe," with tens of thousands of Palestinians attempting to escape southward. However, their access to water and food is rapidly diminishing, raising concerns of an imminent humanitarian crisis.

A child who had just celebrated his birthday

Wadea had recently celebrated his birthday before his passing, disclosed Ahmed Rehab, the executive director of CAIR-Chicago, during a news conference on Sunday.

Rehab, reflecting on the child, stated, "He was a 6-year-old boy who adored everything," as he recounted the father's description of Wadea.

"He had affection for everyone and everything that involved a ball - basketball, soccer. He took pleasure in coloring and swinging around. He cherished his parents, family, and friends. He embraced life and eagerly anticipated a lengthy, thriving existence," he stated during the press conference.

"Despite his ignorance of the broader global issues at play, he was unjustly burdened by their consequences," Rehab added.

Wade's parents relocated to the United States 12 and nine years ago, respectively, and their son was born in the country, according to Rehab. He mentioned that they hailed from a village in the West Bank.

CAIR National expressed their profound shock and distress upon learning about the tragic demise of the young boy in a statement issued on X, previously known as Twitter.

Politicians, media outlets, and social media platforms must cease the dissemination of Islamophobic discourse and anti-Palestinian prejudices. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has expressed a vehement condemnation towards the abhorrent display of racism and animosity that resulted in the tragic demise of a 6-year-old Palestinian child and inflicted severe injuries upon his mother.

The ministry further denounces the incitement campaigns, assaults, discriminatory remarks, and inflammatory stances targeted at Palestinian citizens as well as various Palestinian embassies and ambassadors in certain countries. The ministry emphasized in a statement that it urges all nations to confront such actions and ensure accountability for those responsible. This report includes contributions from CNN's Michelle Watson.