Baltimore, Maryland — On June 17, 2025, at approximately 7:15 p.m., Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officers in an unmarked cruiser were in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Laurens Street when they encountered, 36-year-old Bilal Yusuf-Muhammad Abdullah, Jr., standing at the corner, carrying a crossbody bag on his back. The officers attempted to speak with Abdullah from their vehicle, and then one officer exited the unmarked cruiser and approached Abdullah on foot. Abdullah began walking away and the officer followed. As the officer followed, Abdullah shifted the bag from back to front and fled on foot. A second officer exited the cruiser to assist.
A third officer, posted at the intersection in a separate marked cruiser, also exited her vehicle. As the first officer grabbed Abdullah, a firearm was discharged. This prompted the officers to retreat and/or take cover. Abdullah then pointed a firearm at the officers and three officers exchanged gunfire with Abdullah, striking him. A firearm was recovered from Abdullah and secured by an officer. A crowd gathered around Abdullah, which prevented officers from immediately rendering aid. Within minutes, once the scene was secured, officers administered medical assistance until emergency medical services arrived. Abdullah was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. According to the Police, one round believed to be from Abdullah ricocheted and struck an officer in the foot. The officer is recovering after he was released from the hospital following surgery.
