Jewish community leaders in Chicago are advocating for hate crime charges against a suspect accused of shooting a man as he walked to a synagogue, before also firing at police and emergency responders.
The incident occurred Saturday morning in the West Rogers Park neighborhood when 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi approached a 39-year-old man wearing a kippah and shot him in the shoulder. As officers and paramedics arrived, Abdallahi fired several shots at them, hitting an ambulance but not any personnel. Police returned fire, wounding Abdallahi, who was later hospitalized. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.
Abdallahi faces multiple charges, including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm toward a police officer or firefighter, and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm. It remains unclear if he has legal representation.
Larry Snelling, superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, stated that detectives are investigating both the motive behind the shooting and Abdallahi’s background. He urged the community to remain patient as the investigation unfolds. “We understand the concern surrounding this incident and are committed to ensuring community safety,” he said.
The police referred inquiries regarding hate crime charges to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, which noted the case was scheduled for court but that Abdallahi did not appear due to his hospital stay. The next hearing is set for November 7.
The FBI has acknowledged the incident and is collaborating with local and state agencies to provide support and resources as more information becomes available.
Community Leaders Call for Hate Crime Charges
Alderwoman Debra Silverstein, who attends the same synagogue as the victim, expressed her disappointment over the absence of hate crime charges, stating that the incident has deeply unsettled the community. “While the motive is still being investigated, the nature and timing of the attack are understandably troubling,” she said at a news conference.
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of America, echoed these sentiments, noting that while he is disappointed by the lack of immediate hate crime charges, he understands that further charges may follow.
Rabbi Levi Mostofsky, executive director of the Chicago Rabbinical Council, stated, “As a community, we are scared. When a visibly Jewish individual is shot unprovoked on his way to synagogue, it leaves us terrorized.”
Context of Rising Antisemitic Incidents
This shooting occurs against a backdrop of increasing antisemitic incidents in the U.S., particularly following the deadly October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants. According to the Anti-Defamation League, reports of harassment, vandalism, and physical assault against Jewish individuals have surged, alongside an increase in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian incidents.
In response, law enforcement agencies at all levels are heightened alert, monitoring threats and enhancing security at places of worship. Following the events of October 7, FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the agency’s concern over potential attacks inspired by these incidents.
Snelling stated that the Chicago Police Department has been “paying special attention” to places of worship. “We are aware of the current climate and how it can impact neighborhoods and communities of faith,” he said.