PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Welcomes Hate Crime Charges Following Racist Incident Targeting Danville Alderman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(CHICAGO, IL, 4/15/2026) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed hate crime charges filed in connection with an allegedly racially-motivated attack targeting Danville Alderman Jaleel Jones and two of his relatives in Edgar County, Illinois.
READ MORE: 2 men charged with attempted murder, hate crime involving Danville alderman
The attack reportedly occurred on the evening of April 3 at White Oaks Park in Paris, Illinois, where the victims were fishing, when they were confronted in an unprovoked encounter that escalated into racial slurs, explicit threats, and gunfire. The State’s Attorney’s Office says the suspects told the victims, “We will blow your heads off,” and made clear they did not want Black people in Edgar County, before opening fire with a shotgun.
Authorities have stated that race was a central motivating factor throughout the attack and that the violence was driven by explicit anti-Black intent. Two brothers have been charged with attempted first-degree murder and hate crimes. A third individual has also been charged in connection with the incident.
Hafsa Haider, Communications Director for CAIR-Chicago, said:
“We welcome the decision to file hate crime charges in this deeply disturbing case and commend prosecutors for recognizing the alleged racial motivation behind this violent attack. No one should fear for their life because of who they are.
“This incident is a stark reminder that racially motivated violence remains a serious threat in our communities. The explicit anti-Black hatred reportedly expressed before and during the attack underscores the urgent need for accountability and for continued efforts to combat racism in all its forms.”
CAIR-Chicago strongly condemns this anti-Black violence and stands in solidarity with Alderman Jones and all those impacted. CAIR-Chicago commends the State’s Attorney’s Office for recognizing the severity of the racial motivation in this case through hate crime charges, and urges continued proactive action to confront hate and prevent future violence.
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com