Alexandra Szustakiewicz charged with hate crime after video shows alleged anti-Palestinian attack at Downers Grove Panera Bread

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WLS) — A Darien woman has been charged with a hate crime in DuPage County.

Downers Grove police said 64-year-old Alexandra Szustakiewicz initiated a physical altercation with a couple at a Panera Bread because of the clothing they were wearing, which had “Palestine” printed on it.

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Szustakiewicz appeared in front of a judge in Wheaton on Monday morning not even 48 hours after allegedly approaching and berating the young couple. She is accused of committing a hate crime by reason of perceived national origin.

Waseem Zahran said he and his wife were just grabbing lunch Saturday at Panera Bread near Lemont Road and 75th Street in Downers Grove. Zahran said another customer, who we now know is Szustakiewicz, began swearing at them.

“She came closer to our face, and then started like asking, ‘Are you Palestinian?’ I was like, ‘Yes, I am.’ …