Illinois man who pepper-sprayed pro-Palestinian protesters charged with hate crimes, authorities say

By CLAIRE SAVAGE
Associated Press/Report for America

CHICAGO (AP) — A man who prosecutors say pepper-sprayed pro-Palestinian protesters in Illinois has been charged with hate crimes and aggravated battery. Cook County prosecutors say they charged a 33-year-old man who used pepper spray against demonstrators Sunday at a pro-Palestinian protest near an Israel solidarity event. Police and event organizers have said about 1,000 people gathered Sunday at a banquet hall in a northern Chicago suburb to show solidarity with Israel while several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied outside. Prosecutors previously declined to file charges against another man who fired a gun into the air at the same location, saying their review of evidence determined he acted in self-defense.