A brutal mob attack on Chicago’s West Side has been classified as a racially motivated hate crime, according to local authorities. The attack involved about 30 people who assaulted five individuals on the evening of July 28.
Police said the victims suffered serious injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, and deep cuts. One victim was hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries.
Chicago police confirmed that racial slurs were used during the attack, which led to the hate crime classification. So far, three people have been arrested and charged with hate crimes and battery. Police are still searching for others involved.
The identities of the victims and suspects have not been made public. Authorities have also not released details about the specific location of the attack or the racial backgrounds of those involved.
However, under Illinois law, using slurs or targeting someone based on race can lead to hate crime charges, which may add up to three years to a prison sentence.
The incident has raised alarm in a city already struggling with rising violence. Chicago’s hate crime data shows a troubling trend. Reported hate crimes in Illinois rose from 85 in 2017 to more than 300 in 2022, with nearly half linked to race.
Police are asking witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues. Authorities say they are working to understand the full motive behind the attack.
