Suspect Charged in Hate Crime in Shooting of Jewish Man Found Dead in Cook County Jail
Accused Shooter Dies in Custody
Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, an immigrant from Mauritania, died at Cook County Jail’s holding facility at 2700 S. California Ave. on Saturday, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Investigation Underway
Sheriff’s staff were conducting routine security checks in Cermak Health Services — where Abdallahi was being held — at 3:30 p.m. and discovered Abdallahi unresponsive in an “apparent suicide attempt by hanging” in his cell, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he later died. Sheriff’s officials said no foul play was suspected.
Background on the Case
Abdallahi had been hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds after a shootout with police who arrived at the shooting scene, and at one point had been on a ventilator days after the attack.
Charges and Evidence
At a detention hearing Nov. 22, prosecutors said Abdallahi mapped the locations of several Chicago synagogues and Jewish schools in the days leading up to an attack in the North Side’s West Ridge neighborhood where he shot an Orthodox Jewish man and fired at police and paramedics on Oct. 26. He had also been facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer or firefighter, aggravated discharge of a firearm and terrorism.
The Shooting
The 39-year-old victim was walking to a synagogue about 9:30 a.m. in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue when Abdallahi, who was following him, opened fire, striking the victim in the shoulder, police said. As paramedics were rendering aid to the victim, and officers were looking for the shooter, police say Abdallahi emerged from an alley and fired shots at the officers, hitting a Chicago Fire Department ambulance.
Aftermath
Abdallahi continued to fire at officers multiple times from different locations as officers returned fire, police said. He was shot multiple times, taken into custody and transported to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
Defendant’s Background
Abdallahi had lived in the U.S. for “at least two years” and worked at an Amazon warehouse, Assistant Public Defender Josh Thigpen said at the Nov. 22 hearing, where Judge Susana Ortiz ordered Abdallahi detained.
Conclusion
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing hate crimes and promoting tolerance and understanding in our communities. The investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to follow developments as more information becomes available.
FAQs
Q: What was the motive behind the shooting?
A: The motive was reportedly a hate crime, with the suspect targeting the Jewish community.
Q: What were the charges against the suspect?
A: The suspect was facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer or firefighter, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and terrorism.
Q: What happened to the suspect after the shooting?
A: The suspect was shot multiple times, taken into custody, and transported to a hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition. He later died in custody.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting and the suspect’s death in custody.
