Elmi, 25, died of multiple gunshot wounds to the torso Thursday morning. He was the cousin of Eaton Centre shooting victim Ahmad Hassan. Police have not linked Elmi’s death to the Eaton Centre attack.
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| Late Abdulle Elmi COURTESY OF LUKE RUSCH |
In Minneapolis, Elmi was also known as “a revered poet” who performed in a hip-hop group called “The Usual Suspects,” said Luke Rusch, his best friend. “He was the first Somali in Minneapolis to make it to perform at the city’s largest venues as a rapper.” Friends know Elmi by his MC name, “Free-One” and his nickname “Black Wizard.”
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| Eaton Center victim Ahmed Hassan and Elmi's cousin |
“For people who knew him, this is very shocking,” said Rusch, who spoke with a tear-choked voice on the phone from Minneapolis on Saturday. “He was really against violence, always wanted to help people in a meaningful way.”
The eldest of four siblings, Elmi was born in Toronto but later moved to Minnesota with his family and lived in Cedar-Riverside, a neighbourhood known for gun violence.
The South High School graduate joined University of Minnesota at 17 to study political science before moving back to Toronto.
Franz Dahinpen, Elmi’s classmate in high school and university, said Elmi was “passionate about justice.” He attended anti-violence protests, rallied students against police brutality and volunteered at youth festivals, said Dahinpen.
Elmi was also a founding member of a Sustainable Progress through Engaging Active Citizens, a Minneapolis organization that encourages young people to improve their neighbourhoods. Lead organizer Chaka Mkali said Elmi “touched many lives” through his work.
The eldest of four siblings, Elmi was born in Toronto but later moved to Minnesota with his family and lived in Cedar-Riverside, a neighbourhood known for gun violence.
The South High School graduate joined University of Minnesota at 17 to study political science before moving back to Toronto.
Franz Dahinpen, Elmi’s classmate in high school and university, said Elmi was “passionate about justice.” He attended anti-violence protests, rallied students against police brutality and volunteered at youth festivals, said Dahinpen.
Elmi was also a founding member of a Sustainable Progress through Engaging Active Citizens, a Minneapolis organization that encourages young people to improve their neighbourhoods. Lead organizer Chaka Mkali said Elmi “touched many lives” through his work.
Police urge people to call 1800222TIPS or the homicide squad at 416-808-7400 to Detective Pauline Gray.
