Family of Baltimore arabber killed by police files civil lawsuit

Bilal Abdullah was shot and killed by police in 2025, sparking outrage from his family

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The family of Bilal Abdullah, a Baltimore City arabber who was shot and killed by police in June 2025, has filed a civil lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department. Police claimed Abdullah was in the area armed with a gun and making threats, and that the gun went off after he was tackled by officers, prompting them to return fire. Abdullah's mother, Joy Alston, said he was "murdered by Baltimore City police" and that the officers involved need to be held accountable.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the community in Baltimore, where incidents of police use of force have sparked protests and calls for reform. The family's civil lawsuit seeks to hold the officers responsible for Abdullah's death, which they claim was unjustified.

The details

According to reports, in June 2025, Bilal Abdullah, an arabber who sold produce from a horse-drawn cart in Baltimore, was shot and killed by police in the Upton neighborhood. Police claimed Abdullah was in the area armed with a gun and making threats. After being tackled by officers, the gun allegedly went off, prompting the police to return fire and kill Abdullah. The state attorney general later declined to file criminal charges against the officers involved.

  • In June 2025, Bilal Abdullah was shot and killed by police in Upton.
  • On March 11, 2026, Abdullah's family filed a civil lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department.

The players

Bilal Abdullah

A Baltimore City arabber who was shot and killed by police in June 2025.

Joy Alston

Bilal Abdullah's mother, who spoke at a press conference and said her son was "murdered by Baltimore City police."

Alec Summerfield

The attorney representing Bilal Abdullah's family in their civil lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department.

Baltimore Police Department

The law enforcement agency being sued by Bilal Abdullah's family in a civil lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“He was murdered by Baltimore City police by their badge.”

— Joy Alston, Bilal Abdullah's mother (wbal.com)

“We need these officers to be held accountable and not just left to go back on the streets so they can kill more residents of this city.”

— Alec Summerfield, Attorney representing Bilal Abdullah's family (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the civil lawsuit will determine whether the officers involved in Bilal Abdullah's death should be held liable for his killing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the community in Baltimore, where incidents of police use of force have sparked protests and calls for reform. The family's civil lawsuit seeks accountability for what they believe was an unjustified killing of Bilal Abdullah, an arabber in the city.