Illinois Landlord Gets 53-Year Sentence for Anti-Muslim Killing of 6-Year-Old

An Illinois landlord received a 53-year prison term for murdering a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy and wounding his mother in a hate-driven attack. The sentencing judge condemned the act as a “brutal hate crime,” reflecting the child’s murder was motivated by anti-Muslim bias tied to Middle East tensions. Prosecutors detailed how the landlord targeted the family while ranting about events in Gaza. Civil rights groups applauded the verdict, emphasizing how hate crimes harm entire communities. This tragedy sparked calls for renewed vigilance against Islamophobia—especially as global conflicts stir local prejudices. The mother, who survived stabbing injuries, tearfully addressed the court about losing her son, underscoring the persistent threat of hate-fueled violence.