A 19-year-old woman who was violently attacked at a suburban fast food restaurant earlier this month, allegedly targeted because of her sexual orientation, wants to raise awareness about the impact of hate crimes.
On May 13, Kady Grass and her 13-year-old cousin had stopped for a snack at a McDonald’s in Carpentersville when she was attacked. Two teens struck and kicked her in her head and body, according to the Kane County state’s attorney’s office.
Grass, who grew up in Carpentersville but now lives in Wisconsin, said she had been waiting to use the restroom when a 16-year-old boy allegedly called her a derogatory slur. She had attempted to walk away but then was allegedly physically attacked by the teen and a 19-year-old man.
“People were so surprised when it happened because the world is supposed to be more accepting now, but they need to realize that hate crimes never stopped,” Grass told the Sun-Times Wednesday. “There will always be someone out there that will dislike you.”
John Z. Kammrad, 19, and the 16-year-old boy are charged with felony counts of committing a hate crime, mob action and three counts of aggravated battery.
Grass said the weeks since the attack have been difficult but felt relieved that those responsible were caught and charged.
“I fought really hard for that hate crime charge,” said Grass. “I don’t know what the outcome is going to be, but I want them to face consequences for what they did.”
Grass was punched, kicked and knocked unconscious during the attack, she said. She suffered serious injuries to her face, including a broken nose.
However, despite her physical injuries healing, Grass said the emotional and mental wounds are more challenging to recover from.
“For a while I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror without crying,” she said. “And mentally, it’s really been a struggle. I’ve been dealing with panic attacks and night terrors. Sometimes in the middle of the day, I just completely zone out and just think about what happened to me.”
Grass launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses and to hire an attorney to help with her case. As of Wednesday evening, she had raised more than $72,000.
Kammrad is jailed in DuPage County on separate charges, the DuPage state’s attorney’s office said. His next court date in the hate crime case is June 27.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in public spaces, and no one should be attacked because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, as is alleged in this case,” Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser said in a statement Tuesday.
“We must make it clear that Kane County is a community that welcomes all. I thank the Carpentersville Police Department for their swift response and detailed investigation, and I thank the victim for her strength, patience and cooperation.”