Police say a suspect is in custody after UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Lake in the Hills was vandalized, forcing the owner to cancel their child-friendly drag show scheduled for Saturday evening.
In a statement early Saturday morning, the business said on social media they canceled their events for the weekend and will be closed Saturday “for the safety of the performers, staff, and community.”
“At this time we ask everyone: DO NOT COME TO OUR LOCATION AT ALL TODAY. We did not want to back down from Bullies but absolutely cannot in good conscience continue with tomorrows plans. It breaks our hearts. we will update when we can,” the owner said.
A suspect or suspects broke windows at the business and spray-painted slurs on the walls, ABC7 News reported. No one was injured.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department said they have taken a suspect into custody and would release more information soon.
The police department said earlier this week that they began to receive messages on July 6 from concerned citizens regarding a drag show performance being hosted by the business, located at 2104 West Algonquin Road, scheduled for July 23.
Police said that residents expressed concerns due to children being allowed to attend the event.
According to the event website, children of all ages were welcome and kids’ tickets were reduced price.
The police department and the Lake in the Hills Community Development Department contacted the business owner and have “been in regular communication regarding the event.”
Police say no violations of the Village of Lake in the Hills municipal code were found and no nudity or sexually explicit content is reported to be a part of the scheduled performance.
UpRising Bakery and Cafe’s owner reported receiving in-person and online threats after the controversial event was announced.
In one instance, a bag of feces was left outside near the employee door and a threatening note was left on the door, according to police reports.
The police department said that protests and counter-protests were planned to occur on Saturday.
“The safety and Constitutional rights of everyone who may choose to participate is the priority of the Police Department. We are taking measures to ensure that everyone has the right to engage in peaceful protest,” the police department said in the statement.
“The department will be taking a zero-tolerance approach for those individuals who choose to attend with plans to engage in acts of violence or criminal activity,” the statement added.
Corinna Sac, the owner of the business, said in an interview with WGN that she has been overwhelmed by hate and negativity.
“I just wish that people would understand we’re not targeting children,” Sac said during the interview.
“There are children tickets available for those families who wish to bring their children and for the families who decide that’s OK for their family setting,” she added.