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 say 64-year-old Alexandra Szustakiewicz started a physical fight with a couple at Panera Bread over clothing that said “Palestine” on them.

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Szustakiewicz appeared before a judge in Wheaton on Monday morning, less than 48 hours after he allegedly approached the young couple and berated them. He is accused of committing a hate crime because of his perceived national origin.

Waseem Zahran said he and his wife had lunch Saturday at Panera Bread near Lemont Road and 75th Street in Downers Grove. Zahran said another customer, who we now know to be Szustakiewicz, started cursing at them.

“He got close to our faces and asked, ‘Are you Palestinian?’ I said, ‘Yes, I am.’ And then he started shouting in my face: ‘(Swear) Palestine,’ Zahran said. “Yes, suddenly, just out of hatred.”

He said it started with swearing but then became more troublesome.

“Yes, especially ‘Are you Palestinian?’ he asked. I said, ‘Yes,’ and then he started getting physical,” Zahran said.

A few seconds later, Zahran’s wife began recording the fight.

In the photo, it can be seen that the woman tried to slap Zahran and a few seconds ago he attacked his pregnant wife.

Szustakiewicz eventually left Panera Bread before Downers Grove police arrived. But he was arrested at his home and taken to the DuPage County Jail on Sunday; He was charged with two hate crimes and one count of disorderly conduct.

Meanwhile, Zahran said that the video went viral on social media.

“I would prefer the video to be released and made public, rather than remaining silent on this issue and letting him go away,” Zahran said.

The judge ordered Szustakiewicz’s pre-trial release on the condition that he not contact the victims or visit Panera, where the incident took place.

He will appear in court again for a hearing on December 16.