A man accused of shooting a Jewish man walking to a synagogue in Chicago is now facing felony terrorism and hate crime charges, authorities announced Thursday, Oct. 31. Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, was already facing six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery.
Abdallahi shot a 39-year-old Jewish man around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct 26. He then fired at first responders who arrived on the scene, according to police.
One bullet hit an ambulance. However, no officers or paramedics were injured.
According to investigators, Chicago police fired their weapons at the suspect, striking him multiple times. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Police say Abdallahi was motivated by hatred and targeted the Jewish victim because of his faith.
“Evidence from the offender’s phone indicated he planned the shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith,” Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said. “This evidence allowed us to secure the terrorism and hate crime charges.”
Superintendent Snelling wouldn’t elaborate on what exactly detectives found on Abdallahi’s phone.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his disgust at the suspect’s “wicked behavior.”
“I hope that today’s a first step towards not just achieving justice in this case but our continuous work to ensure that every single member of the Jewish community feels safe, loved, and protected,” Mayor Johnson said.
According to reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirms Abdallahi is a Mauritanian national who was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents in San Ysidro, California, on March 31, 2023.
Abdallahi hasn’t appeared in court as he remains in the hospital. Authorities didn’t provide an update on his condition on Thursday, Oct. 31.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 7. He faces a total of 14 criminal charges.
The Jewish victim was released from the hospital on Saturday.
