PRESS RELEASE: CAIR-Chicago Reacts to Cook County Charge Against Oak Lawn Teen

(CHICAGO, IL, 8/25/2022) – The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, (CAIR-Chicago), responded to news today that Oak Lawn teen Hadi Abuatelah has been charged as a juvenile with possession of a firearm by the Cook County State’s Attorney office. He is not charged with using a firearm, and no other charges were filed. The Illinois State Police’s investigation into Oak Lawn Police Officers B. Collins, P. O’Donnell, and B.P. Carlson remains ongoing.  

In July 2022, Abuatelah was beaten by the three Oak Lawn police officers after they subdued him for fleeing a traffic stop. He was thereafter hospitalized with serious injuries including internal bleeding in the brain, a broken nose, fractured pelvis, and bruises throughout his body. 

SEE: CAIR-Chicago to Address Police Brutality of 17-Year-Old Bridgeview Minor 

“While we are outraged by the State’s Attorney’s choice to file any charges against Hadi, the decision to charge him only with possession supports our position that the officers used excessive force,” Staff Attorney Emma Melton said. “We will continue pursuing our complaint against Oak Lawn Police Officers B. Collins, P. O’Donnell, B.P. Carlson, Oak Lawn Police Chief Daniel Vittorio, and the Village of Oak Lawn.” 

SEE: CAIR-Chicago, Abdallah Law File Complaint Against Oak Lawn PD on Behalf of Bridgeview Minor 

"We are disappointed that any charges were brought given the brutal nature and excessive force used during the improper search conducted by the Oak Lawn Police Department, but it is important to note that he has not been charged with attempting to use the weapon, threatening or harming anyone,” Litigation Director Phil Robertson stated.  

CAIR-Chicago will remain steadfast in securing justice for Hadi. 

SEE: Updated Complaint Against Officers, Police Chief, and the Village of Oak Lawn 

CAIR-Chicago is the Chicago Chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Our mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.  

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CONTACT: CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Saadia Pervaiz, 312-374-2131, spervaiz@cair.com;