Man charged after shooting Jewish man, firing at Chicago police in West Rogers Park: ald.

22-year-old Chicago man shot, critically injured by police in shootout: police
Monday, October 28, 2024
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 22-year-old Chicago man has been charged after allegedly shooting a 39-year-old Jewish man and firing at first responders over the weekend on the North Side, police and an alderman said.

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Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer or firefighter and aggravated battery, Chicago police said Monday.



Abdallahi was arrested at 10 a.m. Saturday in the 6800-block of North Washtenaw Avenue, police said.



He was identified as the suspect who, less than 30 minutes earlier, shot a 39-year-old Jewish man in the 2600-block of West Farwell Avenue in West Rogers Park, police said.

Police previously said the man was walking in the area, and Abdallahi approached from behind, before shooting him in the shoulder, without saying a word.

The victim fell to the ground.

"And then, the perpetrator was going to shoot him on the ground, but his gun jammed. And a neighbor of ours, who had happened to be out there, had yelled, and he started running toward my neighbor, and my neighbor ended up bringing him into the house," neighbor Eli Lawrence said.

The man has been treated and released.



Abdallahi then ran away. He later emerged from an alley and shot at police, police said.

Abdallahi shot at responding officers and paramedics multiple times from various locations over about two minutes, according to CPD.

Doorbell camera video captured part of the shootout, which spanned blocks.

An apparent dog walker is seen hiding from gunfire, before a concerned homeowner comes outside.

The two did not know a gunman was steps away until he emerged from a gangway, firing shots at first responders.



Police shot Abdallahi multiple times. He was critically injured, and remains in a local hospital Monday.

No first responders were wounded.

A weapon was recovered on the scene, police said.

Debra L. Silverstein, alderman for the 50th Ward, said in a letter to residents that the man shot is Jewish, and had been walking to synagogue on Shabbat.

"Notably, and despite evidence that seems to suggest an antisemitic motive for the shooting, authorities did not file hate crime charges," Silverstein said. "I am very disappointed by this turn of events and strongly encourage the Cook County State's Attorney Office to prosecute the offender to the full extent of the law."



She said CPD takes the incident seriously.

On Sunday, there was a meeting among Jewish Rabbinic and communal leaders and Superintendent Larry Snelling and his police leadership team to discuss the shooting.

"The police share our disgust at a Jewish man being the victim of violence over the Jewish holidays," Silverstein said. "They are dedicated to committing the resources necessary to keep our community safe and they ask for the public's help in providing any information or footage that could aid in the investigation. The safety of our community is my greatest priority. As always, I will continue to work closely with Superintendent Snelling and local enforcement to make sure all the residents of the 50th Ward are safe and protected."

Snelling, Silverstein and other police leadership announced the charges in a news conference Monday afternoon.

Chicago police announce charges in North Side shootout


"Though this offender has been charged in this shooting, we're continuing to investigate the motive. At this point, detectives have been unable to interview the offender because of his injuries," Snelling said. "Until we have those facts, we will not announce charges. It's about what we can prove based on the facts."

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the police shooting, and the officers involved have been placed on routine administrative duties.

CPD initially said Abdallahi was 23.

He is due in court Tuesday.

CPD said there is no threat to the Jewish community.

The FBI said in a statement, "The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Chicago Division is aware of the referenced event and continues to work diligently with local, state, and federal partners to provide critical resources and assistance as we learn more. Residents of Illinois deserve to feel safe while walking our neighborhoods' streets, and we are committed to doing our part to return a sense of calm to the community. Should members of the public have information to provide related to this incident, we encourage them to reach out to our office at (312) 421-6700 or via tips.fbi.gov to submit a tip (even anonymously)."

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