A University of Chicago professor, recently facing aggravated assault charges, reacted to the news of former Vice President Dick Cheney’s death with a scathing online statement. Eman Abdelhadi, an assistant professor in Comparative Human Development, expressed a profound sense of injustice at Cheney’s passing without facing legal repercussions for actions she attributes to widespread destruction.
Her post, shared on Bluesky, was stark: “Every time one of these mass murderers dies without having faced any consequence… I realize how far we are from a world with justice. Rest in hell Dick Cheney. Your legacy is death.” The statement reflects deep-seated anger and a belief that accountability was never served.
Cheney, 84, died from complications related to pneumonia and heart disease, concluding a long career in Republican politics. He previously served as a congressman, defense secretary, and White House chief of staff, alongside his prominent role as Vice President under George W. Bush.
Abdelhadi’s own legal troubles stem from an October 3rd arrest outside an ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois. Demonstrations at the facility, often marked by violence, have been ongoing for months, protesting ICE’s enforcement actions.
She faces two felony counts of aggravated battery against a government employee and two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest. The charges arose during a confrontation with authorities while participating in the protest.
Prior to her arrest, Abdelhadi appeared on a far-left podcast where she characterized federal immigration officials as “terrorizing our communities.” She described ICE’s presence in Broadview as a brazen occupation of community resources, fueling her involvement in the protests.
During the podcast appearance, she articulated a firm stance, stating, “You’re either resisting or you’re complicit.” This uncompromising view underscores her commitment to direct action against perceived injustices.
The University of Chicago has remained silent regarding Abdelhadi’s employment status following her arrest and public statements. Despite numerous inquiries, officials have not commented, though her faculty page remains active on the university’s website.
Abdelhadi previously drew attention in July at the Socialism 2025 conference, initially criticizing the University of Chicago as “evil” and a “colonial landlord.” She expressed disdain for investing political energy within the institution.
However, she later acknowledged the potential for leveraging her position at the university to build power and organize. She recognized the university’s significant presence in Chicago and its access to a large network of individuals.
This shift in perspective revealed a strategic reassessment, viewing her employment as a potential tool for enacting change despite her initial criticisms. The university and Abdelhadi have both declined to comment further on these matters.
