Overview

• On June 18, community leaders and advocates, including Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez and CAIR Chicago, pressed for hate crime charges against the suspect at a news conference.
• Witnesses report the attacker wore an EMT uniform while twice defacing the Mexican-Palestinian solidarity mural with anti-Palestine graffiti, burned imagery and feces.
• Natalie Figueroa and Laith say they were physically assaulted—suffering bruises and choking—after confronting the vandal, yet officers did not detain her.
• The Chicago Police Department confirmed an open investigation into the Friday attack and earlier incident but says no arrests have been made despite video evidence.
• Paint removals have begun on the May-installed mural by Bethlehem artist Taqi Spateen, but organizers warn it is not fully restored and neighborhood safety remains unsettled.