Samir Albaidhani Trial Began in Minnehaha County
The defendant faces charges related to a 2025 shooting incident involving Sioux Falls law enforcement.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Crime — General
A jury trial has commenced for 26-year-old Samir Albaidhani regarding his alleged actions in Sioux Falls on April 1, 2025. Albaidhani is accused of firing shots at officers during a pursuit that spanned Lincoln and Union Counties.
Why it matters
The trial addresses multiple felony counts, including attempted first-degree murder of law enforcement officers. The outcome could significantly extend the defendant's existing 100-year prison sentence, which he is currently serving for a separate Union County conviction.
Albaidhani faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges, which carry a potential maximum of 212 years in prison.
The players
Samir Albaidhani
He is a 26-year-old defendant currently serving a 100-year sentence for previous crimes committed in Union County.
The details
Prosecutors allege that Albaidhani fired shots at police after an arrest attempt near 12th Street and Elmwood Avenue, resulting in one officer being struck in the arm. He is accused of then stealing a vehicle and leading authorities on a multi-county pursuit.
Timeline
April 1, 2025: Incident involving shooting and pursuit of Albaidhani occurred.
June 2026: Albaidhani was sentenced for Union County crimes.
September 25, 2026: Jury trial began in Minnehaha County.
October 6, 2026: The Minnehaha County jury trial is scheduled to conclude.
Legal Context
The proceedings follow the June 2026 Union County conviction where Albaidhani was found guilty of three counts of attempted first-degree murder. This current Minnehaha County trial mirrors that legal pattern by addressing additional violent offenses against law enforcement in a separate jurisdiction.
The ongoing trial marks a significant judicial process involving public safety incidents that occurred near 12th Street and Elmwood Avenue. Residents should be aware that the court proceedings are scheduled to continue through early October.
The takeaway
The case highlights the complex overlap of multiple violent crime charges across different jurisdictions. The judicial outcome will clarify the final length of the defendant's cumulative prison term beyond his existing century-long sentence.
Further reading
Find more updates on ongoing legal proceedings in the Sioux Falls Crime — General section.
