Lombard Man Sentenced to Probation for Anti-Muslim Hate Crime

Larry York pleaded guilty to threatening two people and making anti-Muslim remarks outside his apartment building.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Lombard, Illinois man named Larry York has been sentenced to 180 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and 200 hours of community service for committing an anti-Muslim hate crime. York pleaded guilty to one count of felony hate crime after he was accused of threatening two people, making anti-Muslim remarks, and causing one victim to fall off a bench outside his apartment building in October 2023.

Why it matters

This case highlights the continued problem of hate crimes targeting Muslim Americans, even in diverse suburban communities like Lombard. The conviction and sentencing send a strong message that such bigoted behavior will not be tolerated.

The details

According to prosecutors, on October 17, 2023, York approached a man waiting in a car outside his apartment building and told him he didn't belong there and should "leave America." York then went inside, yelled profanities and threats at the man's friend trying to exit, and later lifted one end of a bench the two victims were sitting on, causing one to fall off. When arrested the next day, York told police he needed to "protect his building from Muslims and Arabs" because "World War III was coming" and claimed the victims were "spies."

  • On October 17, 2023, the incident occurred outside York's apartment building.
  • On November 20, 2023, York pleaded guilty to one count of felony hate crime.
  • On February 19, 2026, York was sentenced to 180 days in jail, 30 months of probation, and 200 hours of community service.

The players

Larry York

A Lombard, Illinois resident who pleaded guilty to committing an anti-Muslim hate crime.

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-Chicago

A civil rights organization that praised prosecutors and Lombard police for their handling of the case.

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What they’re saying

“This conviction sends a clear message that targeting individuals because they are Muslim will NOT be tolerated in Illinois.”

— Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago (News release)

“Lombard is home to a vibrant and growing Muslim community that contributes greatly to the cultural richness of the area.”

— Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago (News release)

What’s next

York has been given credit for the 47 days he spent in jail pretrial and must serve at least 50% of his 180-day jail sentence before being eligible for release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need to address hate crimes and bigotry targeting Muslim Americans, even in diverse suburban communities. The conviction and sentencing demonstrate that such behavior will not be tolerated and send a strong message in support of the vibrant and growing Muslim community in Lombard.