CHICAGO (WLS) — New details have emerged about the suspect in the shooting that injured an Orthodox Jewish man in West Rogers Park.
The 22-year-old suspect, who is not from Chicago, faces hate crime charges.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement told ABC7 that Sidi Mohamed Abdallah is a Mauritanian national who was first encountered by US Border Patrol in the country last year. That's why there are federal agencies now involved in this investigation.
Chicago police announced new terrorism and hate crime charges against Abdullah on Thursday. They say evidence on his phone indicates that he planned to attack members of the Jewish faith.
Now, ICE is involved in the investigation, telling ABC7 it has requested a detainer be deported for the suspect, meaning the agency must be notified if he is to be released.
“We know he's not from Chicago but we know the addresses and residences when he got here…all of those things are things we're continuing to work on,” said CPD Supt. Larry Snelling.
Abdullah has not yet appeared in court, as he remains in the intensive care unit due to injuries he sustained during an exchange of gunfire with the police. This shootout occurred just 20 minutes after a 39-year-old man was shot near North Washtenaw Street.
ICE confirmed that Abdullah was first found by the US Border Patrol in March 2023 near San Ysidro, California.
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said her team was not prepared to comment on the suspect's immigration status.
“At the next court date, we intend, as we did just two days ago, to do a full recitation of the presentation, which will include that level of detail. We will make that information available next week,” Fox said.
While local authorities continue to work with federal agencies in the investigation, Chicago police do not believe there is a broader terrorism threat here.
“The evidence we have now suggests he was operating alone. We don't want anyone to fear that there is a network of people involved in this activity,” Snelling said.
Abdullah is scheduled to appear in court next week pending his condition in hospital.
Additional federal charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
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