Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Chicago Police Officers After Possible Hate-Fueled Attack in Court
Charges Filed, Suspect Expected to Appear in Court
Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, faces 14 felony counts, including six for attempted first-degree murder and seven for aggravated discharge of a firearm at officers and firefighters, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said Monday during a press conference.
Shooting Incident and Aftermath
The shooting took place at around 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the 2600 block of W. Farwell, police said, when the alleged gunman opened fire on a man, 39, walking down the street. The suspect then fired at responding officers and paramedics multiple times from various locations, police said, with officers returning fire and striking the gunman.
No Injuries to Police or Fire Departments
No members of the Chicago Police or Fire Departments were injured, police said.
Victim’s Condition and Community Reaction
Ald. Debra Silverstein, of the city’s 50th Ward, was also present during Monday’s press conference. Silverstein said the victim, who is Jewish, was wearing a kippah and headed to synagogue at the time of the attack.
“I’m happy to say that he’s doing okay,” Silverstein stated, adding that the victim was out of the hospital. “He’s still having to see different doctors, but he’s doing okay and his spirits are good. He actually belongs to the same synagogue that I do. And, you know, I’m just really happy that he’s okay.”
Possible Hatred and Investigation
According to the Jewish United Fund, police said during a meeting with the group Monday that Abdallahi shouted “Allahu Akbar” while firing at officers, leading to the belief that the attack may have been motivated by hate.
FBI Involvement and Community Response
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Chicago Division said it was “aware of the referenced event and continues to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to provide critical resources and assistance as we learn more.”
Residents of Illinois deserve to feel safe while walking our neighborhoods’ streets, and we are committed to doing our part to return a sense of calm to the community, the agency said in a statement.
Legal Proceedings and Community Concerns
We do investigations, and our investigations are based on facts that we gather into evidence in order to present charges, Snelling said. Until we have those facts, we will not announce charges. It’s about what we can prove at the time based on the facts.
During the press conference, Silverstein said she was “concerned” by the lack of hate crime charges.
Acts of violence against anyone, especially those that appear to target religious identity, are deeply unsettling and must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, Silverstein said. I want to be clear: No one in our community should feel unsafe because of their faith or background. And while we respect the legal process and understand that charging decisions are complex, I, along with many of my community, urged that all aspects of this case be fully examined, including bias or hate-related motivations.
Past Coverage and Upcoming Press Conference
At 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Agudath Israel of Illinois, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Chicago Rabbinical Council are set to hold a press conference to address the recent shooting, according to a press release, with community representatives on hand to provide updates and address concerns.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi?
A: Abdallahi is facing 14 felony counts, including six for attempted first-degree murder and seven for aggravated discharge of a firearm at officers and firefighters.
Q: What is the motive behind the attack?
A: The police believe that the attack may have been motivated by hate, as the alleged gunman shouted “Allahu Akbar” while firing at officers, according to the Jewish United Fund.
Q: Have any agencies expressed concern over the lack of hate crime charges?
A: Yes, Ald. Debra Silverstein expressed concern over the lack of hate crime charges, stating that acts of violence against anyone, especially those that appear to target religious identity, are deeply unsettling and must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
