HOMER GLEN, IL…. Following a shooting that left an Orthodox Jewish man injured in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood on Saturday, State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Lockport) issued the following statement.
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence that injured a member of our state’s Jewish community this past weekend,” said Rep. Sheehan. “Nobody should have to live in fear of physical harm for their background or beliefs, especially while walking to a place of worship. Antisemitism has no place in our society, and I expect the offender to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I strongly condemn this heinous attack and wish the victim a quick recovery.”
On Saturday, Chicago Police responded to a shooting in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue where a 39-year-old Jewish man was shot in the shoulder while walking to a nearby synagogue. After police and fire personnel had arrived, the suspect emerged from an alley and began firing at first responders before being struck and taken to the hospital.
The alleged shooter faces 14 felony counts, but the Chicago Police Department has yet to determine whether the attack was driven by hate. The nature of the incident has led many Jewish leaders throughout the city to urge authorities to file hate crime charges, though police have not been able to interview the suspect due to the injuries he sustained.
“At the end of the day, it’s as traumatic whether or not it gets that terminology of being a hate crime,” Rabbi Shlomo Soroka of the Agudath Israel of Illinois told NBC 5 Chicago. “We are visibly Jewish and that puts a target on our backs.”
“While the investigation is still ongoing and a motive has not been determined, the attack in West Ridge should serve as a wake-up call that demonstrates the need for improved public safety here in Illinois,” said Sheehan. “This horrific event took place because of an unthinkable decision made by a single person, but it is representative of an alarming rise in violent crime in Chicago that must be addressed by state and local officials.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family during this difficult time and to the broader Jewish community that remains fearful of growing antisemitism in recent years. I would like to thank the first responders who quickly arrived at the scene and apprehended the suspect in the face of imminent danger. I am confident those involved with the case will conduct a thorough investigation and take the necessary steps to swiftly bring justice.”
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State Representative Patrick Sheehan represents the 37th District which includes portions of Will and Suburban Cook Counties. For more information, please visit RepSheehan.com or contact Rep. Sheehan’s district office at 708-694-2032