An illegal immigrant accused of shooting a Jewish man near a Chicago synagogue in October died in "an apparent suicide attempt by hanging" while in custody, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi was found hanging in his cell during a routine check on Saturday afternoon, Fox News reported. The sheriff’s office said Abdallahi was not considered at risk for suicide and added that there were no signs of foul play. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
On Oct. 26, Abdallahi approached a 39-year-old Jewish man from behind and fired several rounds, striking him in the shoulder, according to police. The victim, an Orthodox Jew, was on his way to a nearby synagogue.
Abdallahi shot at officers and paramedics when they arrived on scene less than half an hour later. He reportedly yelled "Allahu Akbar" and then continued to fire at the first responders.
Abdallahi faced multiple charges, including terrorism, hate crime, six counts of attempted first-degree murder, and seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer or firefighter.