A bodega owner was killed outside his family store in Manhattan’s East Village Saturday night after an argument with a customer escalated to gunfire, marking another deadly attack on small business workers in New York City.

Violence Claims Business Owner’s Life

Abdul Saleh was shot in the stomach just after 11:30 p.m. outside his family-owned store, Sal’s Deli and Grocery, located at East 13th Street and Avenue B. Witnesses reported the confrontation began inside the deli between Saleh and a 28-year-old man before moving to the street, where the fatal shooting occurred. Saleh had recently returned from Yemen, where his family lives, and had video-called his daughter less than an hour before the attack. The suspect reportedly sustained a gunshot wound when one of his own bullets ricocheted, striking him. Police have not filed charges, and the suspect is believed to be hospitalized.

Community Mourns Generous Shopkeeper

Neighbors described Saleh as a man with a heart of gold who helped families in need. Local resident Ciara Lugo recalled how Saleh allowed her to eat when she was young and had no money, telling her father to pay later. Jack Lugo, another neighbor, said Saleh had shown his daughter Lugo’s dog during a video call shortly before the shooting. The tight-knit East Village community gathered to remember the shopkeeper who had served the neighborhood for years. United Bodegas of America is offering a five thousand dollar reward for information leading to an arrest.

Prior Safety Concerns Went Unaddressed

In May 2025, Saleh had expressed concerns about violence targeting deli workers after seeing incidents on social media. At the time, New York City was implementing a plan to install panic buttons in bodegas, but Saleh’s store had not received one. He told reporters that crimes occurred frequently, with police arriving hours late. Fernando Mateo, spokesman for United Bodegas of America, questioned whether the shooter should have been on the streets, stating that repeat offenders commit increasingly serious crimes when not held accountable. The organization called for stronger punishment to prevent criminals from committing violent acts against hardworking business owners.

Pattern of Attacks on Small Businesses

The shooting highlights ongoing safety challenges facing bodega workers throughout New York City. Small business owners have repeatedly called for better protection and faster police response times as violent incidents continue. The attack on Saleh occurred despite city efforts to improve safety measures, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policies. As police continue their investigation, the business community demands action to prevent similar tragedies and ensure those who threaten hardworking Americans face serious consequences.