the gunman who fired Jewish man going to the synagogue An illegal immigrant from West Africa in Chicago who was released into the U.S. last year targeted the victim because of his faith, law enforcement sources told The Post.
Sidi Mohammed Abdullahi, 22 – who is from mauritania – Entered San Diego in March 2023 and was screened by border agents, who immediately released him into the U.S., officials said.
Federal investigators believe Abdullahi was specifically targeting Jews in an anti-Semitic attack when he ambushed a 39-year-old Orthodox Jewish man in the city’s West Ridge neighborhood – home to several synagogues Yes, sources said.
The gunman was reportedly caught on video shouting “Allahu Akbar” before firing at police – who seriously injured him in the shootout.
There has been outrage in the Windy City’s Jewish community after a Cook County prosecutor did not charge Abdullahi with a hate crime.
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When Abdullahi was caught at the border last year, officials did not find any criminal or terrorist history linked to him, sources said.
According to sources, Border Patrol noted that Abdullahi “does not appear to be a threat to national security, or public safety…” before remanding him to a future court date.
Abdullahi said he was going to stay with a friend in Indiana.
Although Abdallahi told Border Patrol agents in California that he did not fear being returned to Mauritania, he later applied for asylum. That matter is pending.
The case has created tension between Chicago and Cook County officials and the Jewish community. Police said the gunman opened fire on an Orthodox Jewish man wearing a kippah without saying anything.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced criticism for expressing his “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” with the victim, but failing to mention that the victim is Jewish.
“On behalf of the City of Chicago, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones of the shooting incident that occurred in Rogers Park this weekend,” Johnson wrote on X Wednesday. “This tragic event should never have happened, and we recognize the dedication of our first responders who risked their lives during this shooting.
“The Mayor’s Office is in close contact with the Chicago Police Department as the investigation continues. All Chicagoans deserve to feel safe and secure throughout the city. “There is more work to be done and we are committed to improving community safety in every neighborhood.”
of chicago Jewish Community Relations Council He was quick to point out the mayor’s gaffe.
“You failed to recognize that the victim was a Jewish man, in a densely populated Jewish neighborhood, who was walking to synagogue for Shabbat morning prayers,” the group wrote on X. “What do you have to do to be accepted by the Jewish community?”
The alleged gunman has been charged with six counts of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm and seven counts of aggravated battery.
Police said they are yet to ascertain the motive for the attack as the investigation is ongoing. The Chicago Police Superintendent said detectives were not able to immediately interview Abdullahi because of his injuries. According to CBS News, Larry Snelling said,
Snelling said police are not ruling out additional charges.
Alderperson Debra Silverstein expressed displeasure about the lack of hate crime charges filed against Abdullahi.
“I am deeply disappointed by this turn of events and encourage the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law,” Silverstein told the Sun-Times.
“The Jewish community is always on high alert and this is increasing our concern,” he said.
(TagstoTranslate)US News(T)Africa(T)Chicago(T)Illegal Immigrants
