Killing of Wadea al-Fayoume

According to the Will County Sheriff's Office, around 11:38 a.m. on October 14, 2023, the landlord of 32-year-old Hanaan Shahin knocked on the door to her home. After Shahin answered the door, her landlord allegedly attempted to choke her and stabbed her while yelling "You Muslims must die." Shahin scratched him then ran to the bathroom and called 9-1-1. When she came out, she found al-Fayoume with multiple stab wounds. Al-Fayoume and Shahin were transported to the hospital, where al-Fayoume was pronounced dead and Shahih was treated in critical condition. Her landlord was arrested outside the home once police arrived at the scene.[2][3][4][5][6]

Authorities stated that the attack was motivated by anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian extremism following the escalation in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in October 2023.[7]

At a hearing on October 16, the accused's wife said that her husband "regularly listens to conservative talk radio and was very interested in current events". He was afraid that a "national day of jihad" would happen on October 13, and that his tenants would call Palestinian friends to come and harm him and his wife. He also withdrew $1,000 from the bank in case "the grid" would go down.[8]

Shaheen told detectives that the accused came to her door on October 14, angry with her about what was happening in Jerusalem. After she responded "let's give peace a chance", he attacked her with a knife.[8]

Prosecutors have charged the suspect with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and two counts of committing hate crimes. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.[9][2][4][5][6] On October 15, United States Attorney General Merrick Garland and the United States Department of Justice opened a federal hate crime investigation into the attack.[10]

A vigil to al-Fayoume was held shortly after his death, with hundreds of people gathering in Plainfield at a local basketball court to mark his love for the sport. His father spoke to the crowd calling his son an "All-American boy" who was always smiling and full of love, with other friends and family members speaking. The highest ranking Muslim in the Biden administration, Dilawar Syed, was also in attendance and spoke on behalf of the President.[11]

A fundraiser was created through Launch Good, to help cover funeral and medical expenses for al-Fayoume and his mother. A portion of the fundraiser would be sectioned off to provide safe and secure housing for Shaheen with another being ear marked for creating a continuous charity in al-Fayoume's name.[12]

The attack prompted many public statements and condemning from public officials and organizations, including from Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker,[13] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth[13] and Dick Durbin,[13] the Anti-Defamation League,[1] and the Council on American–Islamic Relations.[3] U.S. President Joe Biden also condemned the attack in a public statement:[14]

Jill and I were shocked and sickened to learn of the brutal murder of a six-year-old child and the attempted murder of the child's mother in their home yesterday in Illinois. The child's Palestinian Muslim family came to America seeking what we all seek—a refuge to live, learn, and pray in peace. This horrific act of hate has no place in America, and stands against our fundamental values: freedom from fear for how we pray, what we believe, and who we are. As Americans, we must come together and reject Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry and hatred. I have said repeatedly that I will not be silent in the face of hate. We must be unequivocal. There is no place in America for hate against anyone. We join everyone here at the White House in sending our condolences and prayers to the family, including for the mother's recovery, and to the broader Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim American communities.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, as well as the St. Mary Immaculate Parish of Plainfield, where the accused and his wife are parishioners, also made public statements condemning the event.[15] Rabbi Rosen of Tzedek Chicago denounced the killing, and expressed concern that the attack stemmed from the continued dehumanization of Palestinians and Muslims. Similar comments were echoed by a volunteer with Chicago's Jewish Voices for Peace who cautioned the continuation of the prejudices.[16]

The attack, and other events have led many Palestinian Americans and other Muslims to cancel plans, monitor their speech and actions, become more vigilant with the safety of themselves and family members, and have become afraid to express concern for loved ones trapped in Gaza. Similar concern was seen by Jewish Americans, and security has been increased around mosques and synagogues across the country.[17]

• Mark Anthony Stroman
• Murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi
• Islamophobia in the United States