Jewish community leaders in Chicago called for hate-crime charges against an assailant who reportedly targeted and shot an Orthodox Jewish man as the victim walked to a synagogue while wearing a skullcap.
Alderwoman Debra Silverstein said she was concerned about the lack of additional charges brought against suspect Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, after he was charged with shooting the kippah-wearing man Saturday near downtown.
Ms. Silverstein, who goes to the same synagogue as the 39-year-old victim, said the incident has “shaken my community to its core.”
“While the motive is still under investigation, the community is rightfully troubled given the nature and timing of the attack,” the lawmaker said at a news conference.
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, and was later released from a hospital.
After shooting the victim, police said Mr. Abdallahi opened fire on responding officers.
The suspect was critically wounded by police gunfire. He was taken to a hospital, and remains in custody.
Mr. Abdallahi is an illegal immigrant from Mauritania who crossed into California in March 2023, according to federal officials who spoke with The New York Post.
Investigators told the outlet that they believe Mr. Abdallahi specifically took aim at the Jewish victim because of his own antisemitism.
Police said the assailant shot the victim without saying a word, but home surveillance video of the shooting appeared to capture the suspect shouting “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire on the man.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones from this weekend’s shooting incident that took place in Rogers Park,” Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, wrote Wednesday on X. “This tragic event should have never happened, and we recognize the dedication of our first responders who put their lives on the line during this shooting.”
Mr. Abdallahi is due back in court Tuesday.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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