Kady Grass Suffered Serious Injuries in Alleged Anti-LGBTQ+ Assault
Authorities in Kane County, Illinois, are considering filing hate crime charges following a violent assault last week at a suburban McDonald’s, in which a woman says she was attacked because of her sexual orientation.
Kady Grass, a resident of Carpentersville, suffered a broken nose, a hemorrhaged eye, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after the incident, which police say involved a verbal altercation that escalated into a brutal beating. Grass said she was targeted because she is a lesbian.
The assault occurred Tuesday evening after Grass and her younger cousin stopped at the fast-food restaurant following the cousin’s middle school concert. Inside, two individuals allegedly directed a homophobic slur at Grass. After a brief verbal exchange, the individuals left, only to return later and violently attack her, according to police.
Grass told authorities that she was punched, kicked, and beaten unconscious. Investigators said the attackers continued to strike her even while she was on the ground. She was later treated for multiple facial injuries.
Carpentersville police arrested 19-year-old John Kammrad, who faces charges including aggravated battery and mob action. A second suspect, a 17-year-old boy, turned himself in on Friday and is being charged in juvenile court.
While hate crime charges have not yet been filed, Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed it is actively reviewing the case and may pursue enhanced charges. Grass said prosecutors informed her that a hate crime designation remains under consideration.