East Village Deli Worker Abdul Saleh Fatally Shot After Argument; Community Mourns Beloved Local Hero

On Saturday night, April 25, 2026, a tragic shooting occurred outside Sal’s Deli & Grocery on the corner of Avenue B and East 13th Street in Manhattan’s East Village, resulting in the death of 28-year-old deli worker Abdul Saleh. The incident unfolded around 11:35 p.m. Following an argument that began inside the store and spilled onto the street, according to police and witness accounts.

Saleh, who worked at his family’s deli, was shot in the torso during the confrontation. The suspected shooter, also 28, was wounded by a ricocheting bullet during the exchange of gunfire, officials said. Both men were found with gunshot wounds when police arrived at the scene. Saleh was pronounced dead at the location, while the suspect was transported to a hospital for treatment and is recovering.

The deli remained closed on Sunday as mourners gathered to pay tribute. An impromptu memorial of candles, flowers and handwritten signs quickly formed outside the shuttered store on Avenue B. Neighbors described Saleh as a beloved community figure known for his kindness and generosity, often extending credit to customers who couldn’t afford to pay immediately.

“If he had to give his shirt off his back to some person, he would do that,” one woman told NBC New York through tears Sunday. Another mourner added, “It was always a smile and if you didn’t have money, (he’d say) ‘don’t worry about it, arrive back later.”

Investigators confirmed that Sal’s Deli & Grocery is one of two stores owned by Saleh’s family on the block. Neighbors said Saleh had recently returned from a visit to his family in Yemen and was back at work Saturday before the fatal incident.

Rex Hughes, a neighbor and friend of Saleh, recounted hearing the gunfire: “What I heard was a pop, pop, pop. What I saw was my friend dying on the corner.” Hughes said he stood with Saleh’s brother as they prayed and tried to reassure the victim he would survive, unaware at first of the severity of his injuries.

The NYPD stated the shooting followed a struggle after the suspect produced a gun during the argument. Law enforcement sources told News 4 that there was a physical altercation between the two men before the weapon discharged. Detectives conducted door-to-door inquiries on Sunday seeking additional evidence and witnesses.

Some residents indicated the suspect had prior issues with the deli. Ciara Lugo, a neighborhood leader, said, “I do know that prior to Abdul leaving to Yemen… I guess, certain problems with this individual.” Jack Lugo, another resident who placed a memorial sign, shared that he had visited Saleh about an hour before the shooting while walking his dog, during which time Saleh FaceTimed his daughter to show her the pet.

“Maybe I could have interjected in some way, or whatever, I don’t know. You know, so that’s going to stay with me for a while,” Jack Lugo reflected.

The United Bodegas of America announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. As of Sunday evening, no arrests had been made, and the investigation remained active.

“We need, as a community, we need to come together regarding the situation,” said Ciara Lugo. Another neighbor told News 4, “everyone deserves an Abdul,” expressing the widespread sense of loss felt throughout the Alphabet City area.

The incident has left the tight-knit East Village community grappling with violence that erupted from what began as a personal dispute. Sal’s Deli & Grocery, a fixture on Avenue B for years, remains closed pending the outcome of the investigation.