Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese announced today that two men have been charged with hate crimes for allegedly spray painting “Free Gaza” on an Israeli flag at the Bloomingdale Woodman’s grocery store last month. Tabshir Rizvi, 23, of the 100 block of W. Franklin Street, Bloomingdale, and Mohammed Faroun, 22, of the 200 block of Bode Road, Hoffman Estates, have each been charged with two counts of Hate Crime, a Class 4 Felony as well as Misdemeanor charges of Criminal Damage to Property and Disorderly Conduct.

It is alleged that on June 24, 2024, at approximately 11:25 p.m., two men, later identified as the defendants, entered the Woodman’s Food Market located at 1 Stratford Drive. It is alleged that the men selected a can of red spray paint and then walked to the international food aisle, climbed the shelving unit under the Israeli flag and spray painted “FREE GAZA” on the Israeli flag. It is alleged that the men then left the store. Following an investigation into the matter, Bloomingdale police identified Rizvi and Faroun as suspects in the case. Faroun turned himself in to authorities on July 16, 2024, while Rizvi turned himself in late yesterday afternoon. Both men were released on personal recognizance.

“I find the charges against these two men extremely disturbing,” Berlin said. “Hate crimes, such as alleged in this case, not only affect the intended target but can also have a devastating effect on entire communities. As I have said before, DuPage County prides itself on being an extremely welcoming community to all and we will not tolerate any type of behavior based on hatred or prejudice. I thank management at Woodman’s Food Market for bringing this matter to the attention of law enforcement and I commend the Bloomingdale Police Department for their quick identification of the defendants. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Kravich as well for her efforts on this case.”

“There is no place for hatred in our community,” Giammarese said. “The alleged offenders took it upon themselves to interject their personal beliefs and impact the citizens of our great community. I agree that we have a welcoming community and want all people to live in a peaceful society without alleged offenders spewing hatred and degrading an Israeli flag. I commend our staff for their efforts and professionalism and I thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for filing the appropriate charges in this case.”

The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for August 13, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.