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Pol Danilov, 26, viciously stabbed an elderly Black woman outside of an Illinois grocery store simply because she was elderly and Black, according to prosecutors.

Danilov told police that the woman’s race and age made her an “easy target” and in a society which fails to protect Black women and girls, his words sadly ring true.

Read more from Chicago’s CBS affiliate:

The 79-year-old woman was stabbed four times, in the back and neck Friday morning at Walt’s Food Store at 2345 183rd Street. The five-inch knife also punctured a lung, authorities said.

Danilov, of the 18400 block of Harwood Avenue in Homewood, remained in the store after the stabbing and was arrested.

He had a knife on him he was apprehended and told police “he believed the victim was vulnerable based on age and race,” police said.

Prosecutors said Danilov has a history of animosity against African-Americans. But Danilov said in court Saturday that he had “no recollection” of that history.

Danilov, who appeared in court with a cast on his left arm, has no criminal history.

Danilov was arrested and charged with attempted murder and for committing a hate crime.

His elderly victim is expected to make a full recovery.