CHICAGO — A woman who tried to stop an act of vandalism against a prominent mural in Pilsen was left with two black eyes and a forehead injury after being physically assaulted by the person she attempted to confront. Now, she and local community leaders are demanding that Chicago police take action.
Mural Defaced With Hate Symbols
The incident took place late Friday night near 16th Street and Ashland Avenue, where a mural depicting a peaceful scene between a Mexican man and a Palestinian man had recently been completed by Bethlehem-based artist Taqi Spateen.
While biking through the neighborhood, Natalie Figueroa, 42, saw a woman vandalizing the mural — spray painting “Israel” in large letters, burning off the face of the Palestinian figure, and spreading feces on the sidewalk.
Figueroa said the woman, who appeared to be dressed in an EMT uniform, shouted, “You’re welcome. I fixed it.” When confronted, the situation escalated.
Violent Attack As Police Looked On
According to Figueroa, the woman became aggressive during the confrontation, eventually grabbing a metal hole puncher and striking Figueroa multiple times in the face and head. The attacker then knocked her to the ground and straddled her chest before passersby intervened and called police.
Despite Figueroa pointing out the assailant and telling officers she had recorded the incident, the woman was reportedly allowed to walk away before police took further action.
“I begged them. I told them that she had just attacked me, that she vandalized the mural and I got it on video. But they just asked to see the video,” Figueroa said.
By the time officers viewed the footage, the attacker had fled.
Pattern Of Violence Alleged In Community
Figueroa and supporters spoke Wednesday at the Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), alleging this wasn’t an isolated event. Other residents claim the same woman has previously harassed or assaulted locals near the mural site.
One resident, 24-year-old Laith, said the same woman attacked her last month for catching her throwing trash near the mural. Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) added that the same individual recently tried to intimidate his chief of staff at a public meeting.
“When we see discrimination in the difference of response, depending on who is the victim, it’s unacceptable,” Lopez said. “I am calling on the Chicago Police Department and every city official to condemn this act of violence.”
No Charges Filed Yet
As of mid-week, no charges have been filed, according to Chicago police, and the suspect remains at large. Officials said the offender fled and declined to provide further comment.
The mural, part of a project by The Mural Movement, is still being restored after much of the defacement was cleaned off. Founder Delilah Martinez said the artwork was meant to represent solidarity between Mexican and Palestinian communities, both of which have experienced historic struggles.
What Do You Think?
Should police have acted more urgently in this case? Do you think the community response is strong enough?
Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
