First, I want to thank the River Forest Police Department and the Cook County State’s Attorney Felony Review Unit for their professionalism and thoroughness in bringing the appropriate felony charges against Mr. Palley for the incident that took place yesterday. I also want to thank the witnesses and officials from Jewel-Osco who provided information to investigators. Their assistance was essential in our efforts to hold this individual accountable for his actions.
While I am pleased that this incident has resulted in charges against the alleged offender, I am also saddened and outraged that this incident took place in our community. Any incident connected with hate is wrong. I can tell you we have no tolerance for such an incident in River Forest.
We will take proactive steps to discuss the values of River Forest and how community and liveability are important to all of us. And how we can live together without biases and hatred. That is our everyday obligation to the River Forest community. Otherwise without this ongoing conversation, we’re not a community at all.