Family of Baltimore arabber files civil lawsuit over fatal police shooting

Bilal Abdullah's family alleges wrongful death and constitutional rights violations following his death last summer.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:40am

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The family of Bilal Abdullah, a Baltimore resident who was fatally shot by police last June, has filed a civil lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department. The lawsuit alleges wrongful death and violation of constitutional rights. Abdullah's family is comparing his case to the recent fatal police shooting of Dwight Hawkins, arguing that in both incidents, police escalated the conflict and failed to de-escalate the situation.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against Black individuals, and the need for improved de-escalation tactics and accountability measures. The family's lawsuit seeks justice and answers about the circumstances surrounding Abdullah's death.

The details

According to the Maryland Attorney General's Office, police were called to Pennsylvania Avenue last June after receiving a tip about a person with a gun. Officers approached Abdullah, who ran and pulled a gun from his bag, prompting police to return fire and kill him. No charges were filed against the three officers involved. The family's attorney, Alec Summerfield, argues that there was no visual evidence of a gun when the chase started and that the police interaction should not have escalated to the point of Abdullah losing his life.

  • In June 2025, police fatally shot Bilal Abdullah.
  • The family filed a civil lawsuit against Baltimore police in March 2026.

The players

Bilal Abdullah

A Baltimore resident who was fatally shot by police in June 2025.

Joy Alston

Bilal Abdullah's mother, who is determined to get answers about her son's death.

Alec Summerfield

An attorney representing Bilal Abdullah's family in their civil lawsuit against Baltimore police.

Taj Abdullah

Bilal Abdullah's brother, who says the family is devastated by the manner in which Bilal was killed.

Detective Omar Rodriguez

A seven-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department's Group Violence Unit, who fired his gun in both the Bilal Abdullah and Dwight Hawkins cases.

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What they’re saying

“I am not giving up. I will not give up, and I will continue until I get my answers.”

— Joy Alston, Bilal Abdullah's mother

“These police, they escalate, they instigate, and then it's the citizens who pay with their lives. They initiate the conflict. In both cases, there was no visual evidence of a gun when the chase started. That is so important.”

— Alec Summerfield, Attorney for Bilal Abdullah's family

“Not two months back on the street, he has murdered another Black man in this city.”

— Alec Summerfield, Attorney for Bilal Abdullah's family

“It's very devastating for what we're going through, especially with the manner in which he was killed because he really was a good person. So, it's just tough as a family.”

— Taj Abdullah, Bilal Abdullah's brother

What’s next

The family is also concerned with the tip that led to the incident and along with the civil action, wants the attorney general's office to reconsider charges against the officers involved.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for police reform, improved de-escalation tactics, and greater accountability measures when it comes to use of force, particularly against Black individuals. The family's pursuit of justice through the civil lawsuit underscores the continued fight against systemic racism and excessive force by law enforcement.