Hate Crime Suspect in West Ridge Shooting Died by Suicide, Medical Examiner Rules
Autopsy Results Determine Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, Died by Hanging in November
A man accused of shooting and wounding an Orthodox Jewish man in a targeted attack before firing on responding police and paramedics died by suicide while in custody in November, the Cook County medical examiner’s office has ruled. Autopsy results determined Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, died by hanging on November 30.
Cook County Sheriff’s Staff Discover Abdallahi Unresponsive in His Cell
Cook County sheriff’s staff were conducting routine security checks about 3:30 p.m. at Cermak Health Services — where Abdallahi was being held — and discovered Abdallahi unresponsive in his cell. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:39 p.m.
Abdallahi Accused of Hate Crime in October Shooting
Prosecutors had said Abdallahi mapped the locations of several Chicago synagogues and Jewish schools in the days leading up to the October 26 attack, in which he shot an Orthodox Jewish man and fired at police and paramedics. He had also faced charges of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer or firefighter, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and terrorism.
Victim Shot and Wounded While Walking to Synagogue
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, Chicago 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.
Abdallahi Shot Multiple Times, Taken into Custody
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.
Abdallahi an Immigrant from Mauritania, Worked at Amazon Warehouse
Abdallahi, an immigrant from Mauritania in northwest Africa, had lived in the U.S. for “at least two years” and worked at an Amazon warehouse, Assistant Public Defender Josh Thigpen said at his November 22 detention hearing.
Conclusion
The death of Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi brings to a close a tragic and disturbing episode in the West Ridge neighborhood, which had left the community shaken. The hate crime attack was a stark reminder of the dangers of anti-Semitism and the need for continued vigilance and advocacy for the protection of all communities.
FAQs
* What was the motive behind the shooting?
The motive behind the shooting was not explicitly stated, but prosecutors alleged that Abdallahi targeted the victim because of his Jewish faith.
* How did the attack unfold?
Abdallahi shot the victim, then fired at police and paramedics who responded to the scene.
* What were the charges against Abdallahi?
Abdallahi faced charges of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a peace officer or firefighter, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and terrorism.
* How did Abdallahi die?
Abdallahi died by suicide while in custody, with autopsy results determining he died by hanging.
