Hanif "The Boy" Rashad Abdullah, a 21-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on June 2, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. Hanif was affectionately known as "Big Nif" and was beloved by his family and friends for his kind spirit and adventurous nature. On the evening of his death, Hanif was walking down an alley in the 8300 block of South Houston Street in the South Chicago neighborhood when he was shot. The incident occurred just before 8 p.m.
when three individuals began shooting at Hanif and a 17-year-old boy who was with him. Hanif suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The 17-year-old boy, who was also African American, was seriously wounded in the leg and hand but survived the attack. The shooters fled the scene, and as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been identified. The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the case, but the lack of witnesses and leads has made progress difficult. Hanif's death has left a profound impact on his community, with many mourning the loss of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
Hanif's family and friends have been vocal about their desire for justice and have held memorials and vigils in his honor. They remember him as a gentle soul with a passion for the outdoors, skateboarding, and reptiles. Hanif's mother, Nia Abdullah, and his sister, Najaa Hanan, have been particularly active in seeking answers and keeping his memory alive. Despite the ongoing investigation, the community remains hopeful that those responsible for Hanif's death will be brought to justice and that his family will find some measure of peace.
