Body-Cam Footage To Be Released in Fatal Shooting of BJ Abdullah

The Baltimore Police Department is set to release body-camera footage Monday from the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Bilal “BJ” Abdullah, a 36-year-old well-known arabber in West Baltimore.

Police Commissioner Richard Worley and other city officials will hold a news conference at headquarters at 2 p.m. to address the incident, which has sparked outrage across the community.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office, tasked with investigating police-involved shootings, said three officers exchanged gunfire with Abdullah on June 17 following a foot chase in the Upton neighborhood. One officer was shot in the foot and was last reported in fair condition.

According to investigators, a crowd gathered at the scene, initially delaying medical aid to Abdullah. He was later transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities have not confirmed who fired the fatal shot or how many rounds were discharged. On Friday, officials identified the officers involved as Devin Yancy, an eight-year veteran; Omar Rodriguez, with six years of service; and Ashley Negron, a seven-year veteran. All three have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the investigation.

Abdullah’s death has reignited longstanding tensions between police and Baltimore communities. On Friday evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the intersection of West North and Pennsylvania avenues, marching to the site where Abdullah was shot. Many drew comparisons to the 2015 death of Freddie Gray.

City leaders visited the neighborhood to speak with residents and community advocates, who expressed deep frustration with repeated cycles of violence and distrust.

“My brother did not deserve this,” said Najla Abdullah. “Baltimore City Police — we look to them to support and protect us, and they took my brother away.”