A 22-year-old man, Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, is facing felony terrorism and hate crime charges in Chicago after allegedly shooting a 39-year-old Jewish man who was walking to a synagogue. The incident escalated into a shootout with responding officers over the weekend.
Abdallahi has been charged with one felony count of terrorism and one felony count of a hate crime, according to Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling. The suspect is currently hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Authorities have indicated that Abdallahi fired at the Jewish man before turning his weapon on responding officers and paramedics multiple times from different locations. Fortunately, no members of the police or fire departments were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators have been unable to interview the suspect due to his injuries. However, digital evidence, including information from his phone, suggests that he was targeting individuals of the Jewish faith.
Superintendent Snelling emphasized that Abdallahi was acting alone and that there is no evidence of a larger network involved in the incident. The suspect is also facing additional charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated battery with the discharge of a firearm.
Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the attack, stating that there is no place for hatred in Chicago. He reassured the Jewish community that every effort is being made to ensure their safety and that the city stands united against antisemitism.
The Anti-Defamation League's Midwest arm expressed support for the victim and the West Rogers Park Jewish community, emphasizing the need for solidarity and recovery in the aftermath of the shooting.
The next court appearance for Abdallahi is scheduled for November 7 as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
