In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through the Palestinian-American community, a 71-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a six-year-old Palestinian-American child to death has vehemently asserted his innocence. The tragic incident occurred in Illinois and was connected by law enforcement to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Joseph Chuba, the accused, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and hate crimes in connection with the horrifying crime that unfolded on October 14, resulting in the death of six-year-old Wadi’ Al-Fayyad and serious injuries to his mother, Hanan Shaheen, who is 32 years old.
One of the reasons for spreading false information about what is happening in Palestine
71-year-old Joseph Chuba stabbed the 6-year-old Muslim child, Wadih Al-Fayoum, to death 26 times and wounded his mother 12 times in their home in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/woomUZkkCC— 🇾🇪محمد عزيز 🇵🇸 (@xXwK0J184cmxaGI) October 16, 2023
Chuba maintained his innocence during his appearance in an Illinois courtroom on Monday, leading the court to extend his detention until January 8, the date of his next hearing.
According to the Office of the County Sheriff, Chuba targeted his victims “because they were Muslims and due to the conflict in the Middle East between Hamas and Israelis.” Shockingly, he is alleged to have stabbed the child a staggering 26 times, as reported by “France Presse.”
The family involved is of Palestinian-American descent, as confirmed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Chicago.
President Joe Biden swiftly condemned the heinous crime, labeling it a “horrifying hate crime” that “goes against the values of the United States.” He added, “The Palestinian Muslim family came to the United States in search of what we all strive for—a haven to live, learn, and pray in peace. As Americans, we must unite and reject Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry and hatred.”
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.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 16, 2023
The case has unfolded in the midst of heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, amplifying the tragic dimensions of an already devastating situation.
This heart-wrenching incident highlights the impact of geopolitical conflicts on innocent lives and the urgent need for unity and tolerance in times of strife.