Suspect Charged with Hate Crime after Shooting Jewish Victim in West Rogers Park: Officials

Police Superintendent Speaks Out

A 22-year-old man is facing charges of terrorism and a hate crime after he allegedly shot a Jewish man and fired multiple rounds at police officers in West Rogers Park last weekend.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, and others provided an update on the case Thursday afternoon.

“This shooting is deeply personal to members of our Jewish community, we know that, but this shooting should be personal to everyone across the city,” said Supt. Larry Snelling with the Chicago Police Department.

The Shooting

The suspect, Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, remains hospitalized for injuries sustained in the incident, which occurred around 9:35 a.m. last Saturday near the 6800 block of North Washtenaw Avenue.

Police said Abdallahi approached the victim, a 39-year-old man, from behind as he walked to a synagogue and shot him. The victim, who was struck in the shoulder, was hospitalized and later released.

When medics responded to render aid to the victim, however, Abdallahi allegedly returned to the scene of the crime and fired multiple shots at first responders from various locations.

No officers or paramedics were injured, though an ambulance was struck. Police returned fire, critically injuring Abdallahi.

Charges Filed

Abdallahi was arrested about 30 minutes after the initial shooting.

“Since the shooting occurred, our investigative response team has worked their fingers to the bone to determine a motive,” said Snelling.

Due to his injuries, police couldn’t interview Abdallahi, but announced Thursday that they did find a digital trail.

“Evidence from the offender’s phone indicated he planned this shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith,” said Snelling.

Foxx said the evidence uncovered during the investigation was enough to support hate crime and terrorism charges.

With the additional charges filed Thursday, Abdallahi now faces one count of terrorism, one count of a hate crime, six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer or firefighter, and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, according to authorities.

Community Reaction

Mayor Johnson expressed his concerns about the attack, saying, “There’s absolutely no place in Chicago for antisemitism. There’s no place in our city for hatred directed toward our Jewish community. Now that the charges have been issued, I can speak in more specificity on the attack that took place that was clearly motivated by hatred. Hatred towards our Jewish community. It is not only hideous, it is wicked. And as a leader of this city, as a husband and a father, it grieves me and it breaks my heart knowing that our Jewish community doesn’t feel safe and secure in our beloved city.”

Officials, on Thursday, stood united and shared the message that hate will not be tolerated, and will be brought to the fullest extent of justice.

Conclusion

The incident has left the Jewish community shaken, but authorities are working to ensure that justice is served. The suspect, Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, remains hospitalized and is due to appear in court on November 7, pending his medical condition.

The community is also calling for unity and solidarity, with many expressing their support for the Jewish community and condemning the attack.

FAQs

Q: What happened during the shooting?

A: The suspect, Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, shot a 39-year-old Jewish man and fired multiple rounds at police officers and paramedics who responded to the scene.

Q: What charges has the suspect been facing?

A: Abdallahi has been charged with one count of terrorism, one count of a hate crime, six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer or firefighter, and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm.

Q: What is the motive behind the shooting?

A: According to evidence found on the suspect’s phone, Abdallahi planned the shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith.

Q: What is the community’s reaction to the attack?

A: The Jewish community is shaken, but authorities are working to ensure that justice is served. Many are expressing their support for the Jewish community and condemning the attack, with some calling for unity and solidarity.