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Jewish Man Shot En Route to Synagogue; Suspect Shouted 'Allahu Akbar' Before Police Shootout

Oct 28, 2024, 04:43 PM

A 39-year-old Orthodox Jewish man was shot multiple times from behind while walking to a synagogue in Chicago's West Rogers Park neighborhood on Saturday morning, authorities said. The victim was critically injured in the attack, which took place in broad daylight in a historically Jewish area on the city's Far North Side. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the incident and later engaged in a two-and-a-half-minute shootout with Chicago police officers and paramedics. Video footage captured the suspect emerging from an alley and opening fire on first responders. Abdallahi has been charged with 14 felony counts, including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated battery with a firearm. According to police, after the initial shooting, Abdallahi returned to the scene approximately 20 minutes later and opened fire on first responders, including police and paramedics. He was shot and critically injured during the exchange of gunfire with officers. No hate crime charges have been filed at this time, but authorities are investigating the attack as a possible hate-fueled incident. The victim, whose identity has not been released, is reportedly in stable condition. The incident has raised concerns within the local Jewish community and has drawn attention to a rise in anti-Semitic incidents. West Rogers Park is one of Chicago's largest Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, and the shooting occurred as the victim was en route to synagogue services on Shabbat morning.