Family of Baltimore Arabber Killed in 2025 Police Shooting to File Lawsuit Against Officers

The family and attorney of Bilal "BJ" Yusuf-Muhammad Abdullah Jr. plan to announce a civil lawsuit against the police officers involved in his death.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The family and attorney of Bilal "BJ" Yusuf-Muhammad Abdullah Jr., a 36-year-old arabber who was shot and killed by Baltimore police in 2025, are planning to announce a lawsuit against the officers on Tuesday. Abdullah's family is calling for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General to reverse its decision and file criminal charges against the officers involved.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between the Baltimore community and the police department over the use of force, particularly in incidents involving individuals from marginalized backgrounds. The family's pursuit of both civil and criminal charges reflects the desire for accountability and justice in the wake of Abdullah's death.

The details

According to police, three officers fired a total of 38 rounds at Abdullah after he allegedly pulled a weapon from a cross-body bag while running away from officers near the Upton Metro station. One officer was shot in the foot by Abdullah, who police say fired three shots. The family argues the use of force was excessive and unnecessary, as Abdullah was not an immediate threat.

  • On June 17, 2025, Bilal "BJ" Yusuf-Muhammad Abdullah Jr. was shot and killed by Baltimore police around 7:30 p.m.
  • Six months after the shooting, the family protested the Maryland Attorney General's decision to not press charges against the officers involved.

The players

Bilal "BJ" Yusuf-Muhammad Abdullah Jr.

A 36-year-old arabber, known in the community for selling produce on a horse-drawn cart, who was shot and killed by Baltimore police in 2025.

Najla Abdullah

Bilal Abdullah's sister, who addressed a crowd during a rally following the police shooting, calling for justice and accountability.

Joy Alston

Bilal Abdullah's mother, who said her son "was slaughtered like he was a pig in the street."

Omar Rodriguez

A 7-year veteran with the Baltimore Police Department who was one of the officers involved in the shooting that killed Bilal Abdullah, and was also involved in the police shooting that killed Dwight Hawkins in East Baltimore.

Richard Worley

The Baltimore Police Commissioner, who said Abdullah fired shots while the officers still had their guns in their holsters.

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What they’re saying

“My brother did not deserve this. He did not deserve this. ...We look to them to support and protect us, and they took my brother away from me, my siblings. My mother is hurting. We want justice. Those officers knew what they wanted to do. They knew, and we want justice.”

— Najla Abdullah, Bilal Abdullah's sister

“My son was a human being. He was slaughtered like he was a pig in the street.”

— Joy Alston, Bilal Abdullah's mother

“They said he was a threatening person. They got pictures of him smiling with food in his hand. They got a picture of him sitting over the thing, not bothering anyone. So, as a police force...I'm a regular guy in the streets. We can get a better team together and pursue someone with a gun far better than what they did.”

— Taj Abdullah, Bilal Abdullah's brother

What’s next

The family's attorney says a civil action lawsuit is being filed, and they are calling on the Maryland Office of the Attorney General to reverse its decision and file criminal charges against the officers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between Baltimore's communities and the police department over the use of force, particularly in incidents involving individuals from marginalized backgrounds. The family's pursuit of both civil and criminal charges reflects the desire for accountability and justice in the wake of Bilal Abdullah's death.