SKOKIE, Ill. — The man who allegedly deployed pepper spray at a pro-Israel event in Skokie over the weekend has been arrested.
According to the Skokie Police Department, 33-year-old Zevulen Ebert has been arrested in relation to the pepper spray incident at the private Solidarity with Israel event on the 3400 block of West Touhy Avenue on Sunday, Oct. 22.
On Sunday, around 1,000 people had gathered to show solidarity with Israel at Ateres Ayala in Skokie, according to event organizers.
Attendees told WGN-TV that a counter-rally was then organized for the same time, in the same area by Palestinian supporters.
Skokie police say during the protest, several disturbances broke out, resulting in a Chicago police officer and two citizens sustaining minor injuries after being pepper sprayed by Ebert amid the commotion.
Eventgoers inside Ateres Ayala told WGN-TV that an announcement was made during the rally warning those in attendance not to leave as tensions were rising outside.
Ebert has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery and two felony counts of hate crime charges. He will appear for a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Skokie Police Department at 847-982-5900.
