Lawrenceville United & Lawrenceville Corporation Statement on Dijlah Shooting

October 22, 2024

Early in the morning October 6th, Malcolm Isaiah Nowlin was shot while working security at Dijlah, and later passed away from his injuries. This despicable and senseless act of violence reportedly occurred after a customer was denied entry by security to Dijlah after its after hours hookah lounge had closed. By all accounts, Malcolm had a bright future and we are heartbroken for his family, friends, coworkers, and community. We encourage our members and neighbors to support Malcolm’s family during this difficult time. Silky’s Pub in Bloomfield, where Malcolm worked, is donating $5 of every “Malcolm’s Patty Melt” sold to the family.

Police have since arrested a suspect believed to be Malcolm’s shooter. We appreciate the swift work and responsiveness of the police, as well as community members who came forward to share tips and camera footage of the incident to help bring Malcolm’s killer to justice. Lawrenceville has a long history of working collaboratively as a community to protect public safety, and we will continue to do so. 

Dijlah has been a Lawrenceville business and restaurant for 13 years and has operated a hookah lounge, including an after hours hookah lounge, for much of that time. Only in the past few months have our organizations received complaints about activity associated with the after hours, primarily after a separate shooting that occurred in the summer, which prompted the addition of security officers at Dijlah. Based on conversations with Dijlah, the building owner, and law enforcement, we’re confident that the after hours operations at Dijlah have ended. permanently. Additionally, Pittsburgh Police have informed us that they are deploying extra resources on Friday and Saturday nights in Lawrenceville. 

Lawrenceville United and Lawrenceville Corporation remain committed to promoting a safe community where all neighbors, workers, and businesses are free from crime. While violent crime in Lawrenceville has dropped 60% over the past decade alone, these recent shootings demonstrate the ongoing need to work together as a neighborhood to keep each other safe. Please continue to share information with LU and LC, community members with concerns related to public safety are encouraged to reach out to Lawrenceville United at 412-802-7220 or info@LUnited.org.