BRINGING THE BEEF TO PANERA: LADY LOSES IT OVER PALESTINE

Authorities say Alexandra Szustakiewicz instigated a confrontation with a couple over their clothing, which bore the word "Palestine."

A 64-year-old woman accused of a racially charged attack inside a Panera Bread is set to appear in court Monday to face hate crime charges.

Authorities say Alexandra Szustakiewicz instigated a confrontation with a couple over their clothing, which bore the word "Palestine." The incident, which was captured on video and quickly went viral, unfolded as Waseem Zahran and his pregnant wife were having lunch in the suburban café.

Eyewitness accounts and footage show Szustakiewicz aggressively screaming at the couple before attempting to slap Zahran and lunging at his wife. The attack, which appears to have been motivated by their attire, has sparked outrage and renewed conversations about rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian sentiment.

Downers Grove police arrested Szustakiewicz following the altercation, charging her with two counts of committing a hate crime and one count of disorderly conduct. A judge has since barred her from contacting the victims or returning to the Panera Bread where the attack took place.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with activists and civil rights organizations condemning the incident as yet another alarming example of hate-fueled aggression in public spaces.