Brutal attack on lesbian woman in Illinois ‘Just because I walked into the woman’s bathroom’ sparks hate crime investigation
A brutal attack on Kady Grass, a 19-year-old lesbian woman, at a McDonald’s in Carpentersville, Illinois, on May 13, 2025, has shocked the community and drawn national attention.
Grass claims the assault began “just because I walked into the woman’s bathroom,” with assailants using homophobic slurs before escalating to violence.
The incident left Grass with severe injuries, including a fractured nose and PTSD.
As Illinois prosecutors weigh hate crime charges, the case has sparked widespread outrage, amplifying calls for justice and stronger protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
This incident underscores ongoing debates about hate crime legislation and the safety of marginalized groups in public spaces.
The Attack
The assault took place at the McDonald’s at 1660 South Kennedy Drive in Carpentersville, a small town roughly an hour northwest of Chicago.
Grass was using the women’s restroom when two males confronted her, hurling derogatory remarks about her sexual orientation.
The encounter quickly turned violent as the males followed her out of the restroom and attacked.
Surveillance footage and witness accounts paint a harrowing picture. One assailant punched Grass in the face, while the other struck her from behind and stomped on her head, rendering her unconscious.
Grass sustained a fractured nose, a hemorrhage in her eye, and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A McDonald’s manager who tried to intervene was also struck. Grass received treatment at a local hospital but continues to grapple with the physical and emotional aftermath.
| Details of the Attack | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | May 13, 2025 |
| Location | McDonald’s, 1660 South Kennedy Drive, Carpentersville, IL |
| Injuries | Fractured nose, eye hemorrhage, PTSD |
| Trigger | Homophobic slurs after using women’s restroom |
| Assailants | Two males, one adult and one juvenile |
Victim’s Account
Kady Grass, now residing in Delavan, Wisconsin, has publicly labeled the attack a hate crime.
“I genuinely think that their plan was to kill me, and that they didn’t care if they ended my life that day,” she told CBS News Chicago.
Grass explained that the violence stemmed from her use of the women’s restroom.
“How it started was because I’m a lesbian — just because I walked into the woman’s bathroom, and I looked the way I look,” she said.
Grass is also concerned for her 13-year-old cousin, who witnessed the attack. “I worry about the fear this has instilled in her,” she shared.
Despite the trauma, Grass is determined to seek justice. “This will affect me for the rest of my life,” she stated, urging prosecutors to pursue hate crime charges.
“Even if they don’t agree with the LGBTQ community, they have no right to make it physical or bully you,” she added.
Suspects and Charges
Two individuals face felony charges in connection with the attack. John Z. Kammrad, 19, has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of mob action.
Arrested on May 17, 2025, he was released into DuPage County custody for unrelated charges. His status hearing took place on May 22, with a plea setting scheduled for June 27.
A 17-year-old juvenile turned himself in on May 16 and faces felony charges, including aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.
Additionally, two girls present during the incident face misdemeanor charges for stealing Grass’s wallet, phone, and her cousin’s phone.
| Suspects | Details |
|---|---|
| John Z. Kammrad | 19 years old, charged with aggravated battery and mob action, arrested May 17, released to DuPage County custody |
| Juvenile | 17 years old, charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, turned himself in on May 16 |
| Two Girls | Face misdemeanor charges for theft of Grass’s and her cousin’s belongings |
Legal Proceedings
The Kane County State’s Attorney’s office is meticulously reviewing the case to determine if hate crime charges are warranted.
State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser stated, “We are conducting a thorough and unbiased review of the facts and evidence to determine if adding additional charges such as Hate Crime is appropriate.”
Mosser expressed support for Grass, saying, “My thoughts are with Kady Grass and her family, and I want her to know we will do everything within the law to hold those responsible accountable”.
Prosecutors have sought Grass’s permission to pursue hate crime charges against Kammrad, indicating a deliberate approach.
The case is scheduled to return to court on May 27, 2025, with significant community attention.
Illinois hate crime laws, which include protections for sexual orientation, could play a critical role.
The decision on hate crime charges may influence how similar cases are prosecuted, potentially setting a legal precedent.
Community Reaction
The attack has sparked intense outrage, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocates.
An X post by @DaAngryOstrich, viewed over 9 million times, brought Grass’s story to a wide audience, highlighting the issue of anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
Local LGBTQ+ organizations have rallied behind Grass. A spokesperson for a Chicago-based advocacy group stated, “This attack is a painful reminder of the violence our community faces. We stand with Kady and demand accountability.”
The incident has prompted broader discussions about the need for enhanced protections and increased public awareness of hate crimes.
Community leaders are pressing authorities to address systemic issues, emphasizing the importance of safe public spaces for all.
Broader Context
The attack occurs against a backdrop of ongoing national debates about hate crimes and LGBTQ+ rights.
According to the FBI’s 2023 Hate Crime Statistics, 16% of reported hate crimes targeted sexual orientation, with lesbian and gay individuals among the most affected.
Illinois has robust hate crime laws, but their application often depends on prosecutorial discretion, making the Grass case a potential litmus test for enforcement.
Public spaces, particularly restrooms, remain flashpoints for anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
Grass’s experience—targeted for using a women’s restroom—underscores the vulnerability of gender-nonconforming and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Advocates argue that such incidents highlight the need for consistent legal protections and societal change.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile hate crimes, reinforcing calls for stronger measures to combat targeted violence.
The brutal attack on Kady Grass, triggered “just because I walked into the woman’s bathroom,” has left deep physical and emotional scars.
As Illinois prosecutors weigh hate crime charges, the case has galvanized the LGBTQ+ community and allies to demand justice and systemic change.
Grass’s courage in sharing her story has amplified calls for safer public spaces and stronger enforcement of hate crime laws.
The upcoming court date on May 27, 2025, will be a pivotal moment, potentially shaping how Illinois addresses anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
