COPA Releases New Videos Showing Gunfight between Officers and Suspect Accused of West Rogers Park Hate Crime Shooting

Gunfight Between Officers and Suspect Captured on Video

CHICAGO — Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has released new videos capturing a shootout between Chicago police and the suspect accused of shooting a Jewish man who was on his way to synagogue on the city’s Far North Side in late October.

The newly released videos show the moments leading up to the police confrontation as well as the shooting that left the suspect incapacitated.

Alongside the videos, COPA also released several documents and 911 call audio related to the incident.

Shooting Unfolded in West Rogers Park

According to an initial report by Chicago police, the shooting allegedly unfolded in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue, in West Rogers Park, on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Officers said they were called to the scene just after 9:30 a.m., in response to a report that a man had been shot in the area.

Gunfight and Officer-Involved Shooting

No officers were injured in the incident, but the suspect, 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, was struck by gunfire and treated at the scene before being taken to the hospital.

The suspect allegedly began firing in the direction of officers, striking a CFD ambulance, before fleeing from police. Officers continued to pursue the suspect and located him in the 6800 block of North Washtenaw Avenue, where a gunfight broke out between him and police.

Charges and Community Concerns

The incident sparked concern among members of Chicago’s Jewish community, who urged authorities to pursue hate crime charges, which they eventually did.

Abdallahi was initially charged with six felony counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven felony counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, and one felony count of aggravated battery with the discharge of a firearm.

In a press conference announcing the additional charges, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said during the investigation, authorities learned that Abdallahi had allegedly been targeting Jewish communities.

A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said officers had also lodged an immigration detainer with Cook County Jail on Abdallahi, who is a Mauritanian national.

Conclusion

The release of these videos and additional information provides a clearer understanding of the events surrounding the West Rogers Park shooting and hate crime. The community remains concerned about the safety of its members and the need for authorities to take hate crimes seriously.

FAQs

What happened in the West Rogers Park shooting?
The suspect, 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, allegedly shot a Jewish man who was on his way to synagogue, and then engaged in a gunfight with police.

Were any officers or CFD members injured?
No, no officers or CFD members were injured in the incident.

What charges was the suspect initially facing?
Abdallahi was initially charged with six felony counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven felony counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, and one felony count of aggravated battery with the discharge of a firearm.

What additional charges was the suspect facing?
Abdallahi was later charged with an additional felony count of terrorism and one count of a hate crime.

What is the current status of the suspect?
The suspect, Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, is currently in custody and facing multiple charges related to the incident.