CHICAGO — Officials on Thursday announced the addition of hate crime and terrorism charges against the man accused of shooting a Jewish man in West Rogers Park over the weekend.
Citing evidence uncovered on the suspect’s phone, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling praised detectives who “worked their fingers to the bone to determine a motive” so the charges could be filed.
The accused man, 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, remains hospitalized with serious injuries from gunshot wounds he received from Chicago police officers during a lengthy shootout.
Snelling said detectives, unable to speak with Aballahi due to his health condition, searched his phone and discovered “digital evidence” to build a case. The newfound information showed he “planned” the shooting and “targeted people of Jewish faith.”
Prosecutors said his phone data showed he spent days selecting targets, including a synagogue near the shooting. After shooting the man, Abdallahi allegedly got into his car and drove a short distance, only to return to the area and start shooting at police and paramedics.
Abdallahi “sought out this particular community. Sought out this particular faith,” Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said at a Thursday evening press conference.
Snelling said there is “no credible evidence” that he was working with anyone else.
Once the motive could be proven, Snelling said, CPD secured the new charges. Earlier this week, prosecutors filed fourteen felony charges against Abdallahi, including six counts of attempted murder.
First responders arrived in the 2600 block of West Farwell to handle the shooting around 9:35 a.m. Saturday after a 39-year-old Jewish man was shot in the shoulder while walking to synagogue. He was released from the hospital later in the day.
Abdallahi returned to the scene about 20 minutes later and, for more than two minutes, popped up at different locations to exchange gunfire with Chicago cops, officials alleged. He was eventually brought down by police gunfire in the 6800 block of North Washtenaw. CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said he remained hospitalized, and police have been unable to talk with him due to his injuries.
A 65-second doorbell video shared with CWBChicago over the weekend captured part of the events that unfolded when the gunman returned to the scene.
It starts with the sound of gunfire and an ambulance rolling down the street with its lights and siren activated. Moments later, the gunman appears on screen with a large pistol. He takes a shooting stance and fires one shot toward a man and dog that were out for a walk.
The gunman screams something, briefly takes cover in the alley, then darts down the street.
Just as he leaves view, there is shouting. Then, a several-second barrage of gunfire from multiple weapons.
A second video shows an officer hiding behind Halloween decorations and shooting Abdallahi, who is seen with a gun in his hand. You can view the video, which may be disturbing, here.
