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A man is facing 14 felony charges after authorities say he fatally shot a man walking to a synagogue and then fired at responding police officers during a shootout in Chicago this weekend.
On Saturday morning, a man fired several shots at a 39-year-old man in the 24th Ward, then fired “multiple times from various locations at responding officers and emergency personnel,” police said. Chicago police said in a release Monday that an officer returned fire and struck the gunman. There were no injuries to police or fire personnel.
Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, is charged with six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, and one count of aggravated assault with discharge of a firearm, according to a statement. . It is unclear at this time whether Mr. Abdallahi has a lawyer. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 7th.
The shooting victim was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon, said Debra Silverstein, an alderman in Chicago’s 50th Ward, where the shooting occurred.
Abdallahi has been charged in the shooting, but police say the motive is still being investigated. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said at a news conference Monday that detectives were unable to interview Mr. Abdallahi because of his injuries. Abdallahi’s Tuesday detention hearing was postponed and the court ordered him held until he can appear in court, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said.
The FBI’s Chicago Division said it is working with local, state and federal partners to provide resources and assistance as the investigation continues. The department appealed to the public to come forward with any information related to the incident.
“Illinois residents deserve to feel safe when walking the streets of their neighborhoods, and we are committed to doing our part to restore a sense of calm to our communities,” the department said in a statement to CNN. We will work on it.”
Silverstein said the victim, a Jewish neighbor and member of the same synagogue she attends, was “targeted for violence.”
“He was shot as he walked to the synagogue while peacefully celebrating the Sabbath. The victims of this senseless violence, as should everyone in this city, He could have walked safely without fear,” Silverstein said.
She highlighted the community’s concern over the seriousness of the attack, which occurred the day after the Jewish holiday of Simhat Torah.
“The motive is still under investigation, but given the nature and timing of the attack, it is understandable that the community is concerned,” she added.
Here’s what we know so far about the shooting and investigation.
Police said Abdallahi shot the man in the shoulder without saying anything. As police and paramedics responded to the scene, he allegedly fired multiple shots at them from various locations.
Police said an ambulance was struck by gunfire, but no officers or paramedics were injured. The officers then returned fire and shot and killed Abdallahi, who was taken to a hospital where he remains being treated for his injuries.
“We are grateful that the injuries sustained by the victim were not life-threatening,” Snelling said. “This incident was also a stark reminder of the dangers our first responders face, as they too were fired upon and were fortunate not to be hit.”
Chicago police told CNN on Tuesday that Abdallahi said “Allah Akbar” during the encounter with police. However, the intent and context of the comments were unclear. Police said the suspect made no comments before or during the shooting of the victim.
Detective Chief Superintendent Antoinette Ursitti said: “The statements he made while he was engaged with our officers are not something we can introduce into evidence at this time, and they do not reflect his actions towards our officers or the victim. “It doesn’t support a motive.” Press conference.
Less than 30 minutes after the shooting, the suspect was arrested near the scene of the shooting at 10 a.m. Saturday, according to the release.
Silverstein said the victim is “in good spirits and in good spirits.”
Police further added that a weapon was recovered from the scene.
The criminal investigation is ongoing and detectives are working to determine the motive behind the shooting. Authorities are working to “hold this individual accountable for the violent acts he committed,” Snelling said.
“We understand the concerns surrounding this incident. We are doing everything we can to keep our community safe and want to restore a sense of security to our residents,” Snelling said. said.
Some Jewish leaders have called for hate crime charges, but police say they need to interview suspects and gather evidence before considering such charges.
Superintendent Snelling urged the public not to jump to conclusions about the shooting incident.
“There is a lot of information out there about the shooting incident, but I ask the public not to make hasty judgments in this situation,” the prime minister said on Monday. “We are continuing our investigation based on the available facts and evidence.”
“We don’t just go in and decide everything is a hate crime. But what we don’t do is rule out the possibility that it’s a hate crime,” he added.
Silverstein said Monday that she was angry that no hate crime charges were filed in the incident.
“Police have assured us that additional charges, including hate crime charges, may still be added as they continue to collect evidence,” Silverstein said.
Shoshana Conover, senior rabbi at Temple Sholom, also said the community is frustrated by the lack of hate crime charges.
“While it’s frustrating that hate crimes go unprosecuted, most people I’ve talked to are grateful for the immediate police response and police protection as hate crimes escalate in many communities,” Conover said. told CNN on Tuesday.
“Those who understand the process of hate crime accusations know that it can take time to gather enough evidence to confirm a charge. That being said, this is certainly a synagogue I hope our community continues to press for a thorough investigation because it feels like a hate crime against an observant Jew who walked into the street,” Conover added.
According to a post by “We are passionate about improving community safety in our neighborhoods.”
Sen. Dick Durbin called the incident “unacceptable.”
“Antisemitism is on the rise in America, and we must remain focused on eradicating it,” Durbin told X. “I stand with the Jewish community in Chicago and across the country.”
“No matter where the investigation ends, the shooting feels like a hate crime,” the Midwest Division of the Anti-Defamation League said in a post on X.
CNN’s Dalia Faheed, Bill Kirkos and Whitney Wilde contributed to this report
