PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office announced charges on Thursday against three men accused of confronting and threatening three Jewish individuals outside a pool hall in Northeast Philadelphia in June. The defendants, identified as Aueb Salahedein, 22, Adam Anse, 19, and Ahmad Twam, 19, face multiple charges, including ethnic intimidation, conspiracy, and terroristic threats.
The incident took place in the early hours of June 30, 2024, outside Bluegrass Billiards on the 9400 block of Blue Grass Road. According to investigators, the three defendants were conversing with the victims when they discovered that the complainants were Jewish. The defendants then allegedly directed antisemitic slurs and threats at the victims. During the altercation, Salahedein reportedly brandished a firearm from his crossbody bag and aimed it at the group.
The victims attempted to escape in their vehicle, but Salahedein struck the car’s windshield with the butt of his firearm, causing damage. The defendants fled the scene in a BMW, but the victims managed to obtain the vehicle’s license plate number.
The investigation, led by the Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF), utilized surveillance footage, witness statements, and call records to identify the defendants. Investigators discovered that Salahedein had legally purchased a 9mm Taurus handgun just 12 days before the incident. A search of Salahedein’s residence led to the recovery of a crossbody bag containing a 9mm magazine and other firearm-related evidence. The three men were apprehended on October 18, 2024.
District Attorney Larry Krasner commended the investigative work, stating, “Thanks to modern investigative techniques and dedicated law enforcement personnel, these defendants will be held accountable for their hateful actions.” He also expressed hope that the case serves as a warning to others considering similar actions.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Philadelphia office praised the efforts of the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement. “Far too often, these kinds of incidents go unreported, making it harder to address these dangerous trends,” said Andrew Goretsky, Regional Director of the ADL in Philadelphia. “When someone is targeted because of their identity, whether they are Jewish or Muslim, Black, Asian, Latino, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it is not just wrong, it is an attack on our shared humanity.”
Salahedein, Anse, and Twam each face three counts of ethnic intimidation, criminal conspiracy, terroristic threats, and related offenses. Salahedein also faces additional firearm violations. All three defendants remain in custody pending court proceedings.
