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Jewish community calls for hate crime charges; Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi’s court date was adjourned in West Rogers Park, Chicago
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Jewish community calls for hate crime charges; Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi’s court date was adjourned in West Rogers Park, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — The detention hearing for the man accused of shooting a Jewish man in West Rogers Park over the weekend was rescheduled Tuesday as the Jewish community calls for more charges.

Sidi Mohammed Abdullahi, 22, was expected in court on Tuesday, but the hearing was rescheduled for next week as he is still recovering in the intensive care unit after a shootout with police.

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The sound of gunfire echoed through West Rogers Park on Saturday. The struggle with police was captured on home security video.

Video of the shootout shows the alleged gunman impatiently advancing on at least five officers as he fired at them. Police then move away from the gunfire before an officer takes cover behind a porch.

ABC7 froze the video as the suspect turns the corner and is shot multiple times by police, gun still in hand.

Jewish community leaders said the violence was targeted.

“We have faith in God, but we fear for ourselves; this shooting a few days ago was not just another act of violence,” said Rabbi Levi Mostofsky, executive director of the Chicago Rabbinical Council. “This was not just another shooting on the streets of Chicago. When a visibly Jewish individual in an otherwise pleasant neighborhood is shot unprovoked on his way to synagogue, we are horrified.”

Abdullahi allegedly shot a Jewish man who was walking to synagogue on Saturday morning while wearing a kippa, a traditional Jewish head covering.

Police say Abdullahi shot him without saying a word.

About 30 minutes later, the incident escalated, when Abdullahi allegedly opened fire on five first responders.

The police responded, shooting him several times.

“We urge, in the strongest terms possible, that the CPD and others conduct a thorough investigation into the motives for these heinous crimes and that charges be brought as appropriate,” said David Goldenberg, Midwest Anti-Defamation League regional director.

Abdullahi has been charged with 14 felonies, including attempted first-degree murder. Goldenberg is asking that a hate crime charge be added to the list.

“Saturday’s crime feels like a hate crime. Regardless of where the investigation leads, the Jewish community in Chicago has been shaken. And Saturday’s shooting is just the latest,” Goldenberg said. “The reason CPD knows the Jewish community so well is that they need to know the Jewish community because of the heightened threat that the Jewish community faces, day in and day out.”

FBI data from 2023 shows that despite Jews making up only about 2 percent of the U.S. population, anti-Semitic incidents accounted for more than 15 percent of all hate crimes nationwide.

The ADL said there has been a nearly 300 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Chicago in the past year compared to the previous year.

It adds to the growing fear felt by families of the Jewish faith.

“We have been watching closely. Anti-Semitic attacks are proliferating around the world and we are afraid,” Mostofsky said.

Local Jewish organizations said they have been in regular communication with the Chicago Police Department since Saturday’s shooting.

While they are eager to bring hate crime charges against the suspect, police said the investigation into a motive is still ongoing.

So community members are calling on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to take action.

“You don’t see the mayor saying anything; you see somebody in the administration saying something, zip, zero, nothing from him,” Goldenberg said.

Abdullahi is now scheduled to be in court on November 7.

Johnson’s office said in a statement Tuesday: “Mayor Johnson’s heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones from this weekend’s shooting incident in Rogers Park. This tragic event should never have happened and we recognize our dedication. First responders who put their lives in danger during this shooting. The mayor’s office is in close communication with the Chicago Police Department as the investigation continues to feel safe and secure in the city. and we are committed to diligently improving community safety in every neighborhood.”

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