Birmingham Community Urged to Assist in Mass Shooting Investigation
Birmingham, Alabama, is reeling from a tragic mass shooting that occurred over the weekend, leaving four dead and at least 17 others injured outside Hush lounge on Saturday night. In response to this violent act, a combined reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for information that could lead to the identification and arrest of those responsible.
A Night of Horror
Just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, patrons gathered outside the club along Magnolia Avenue when gunfire erupted. Witnesses reported hearing over 100 shots, with investigators noting that fully automatic gunfire was used in the attack. Tragically, the victims included 27-year-olds Carlos De’Juan McCain, Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., and Tahj Booker, along with 21-year-old Anitra Holloman, a single mother who had previously lost her boyfriend to gun violence just two years prior.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond shared that the shooting is being investigated as a potential “hit”—a targeted attack aimed at at least one of the individuals killed. While specific identities of potential targets were not disclosed, it was noted that some of the victims had extensive criminal histories, which could provide motives for their deaths.
Community Response
Since the reward was announced on Monday, the Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama has received close to 50 tips. Executive Director Bob Copus remarked that the influx of information mirrors the volume seen in the past high-profile cases, such as the abduction of Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney in 2019. “We haven’t seen anything like this since the Carlee Russell case, when we were getting a tip about every three minutes,” Copus stated.
Local officials report that the community is showing significant willingness to assist in identifying those involved in the shooting. “By far, we’re seeing a huge outpouring from the community concerning this violent crime,” added Copus. “The community has had enough.”
Ongoing Investigation
Pursuant to the investigation, the Birmingham Police Department is collaborating with both the FBI and the ATF. Chief Thurmond expressed confidence in solving the case, stating, “We’re going to hunt you down and we’re going to arrest you. 100 percent.”
No arrests have yet been made, but investigators are working diligently, with both local and federal authorities digging into leads provided through the tips. “Hopefully there’s something in there that’s going to get this case solved,” Copus remarked. “We need to stop this circle of violence.”
A Call for Action
The reward initiative involves up to $50,000 from each of the FBI and Crime Stoppers organizations. This combined offering sets a record for Crime Stoppers, eclipsing the previous highest reward of $25,000 following the McKinney case. Frank Barefield from Crime Stoppers underscored the aim of the reward: “It’s a life-changing reward, and you’re totally anonymous.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Birmingham Field Office Carlton Peeples emphasized the purpose of the reward is to encourage the community to help eliminate violence from neighborhoods. The Bureau’s reward specifically targets information that leads to an arrest and subsequent conviction.
How to Help
Community members are encouraged to report any information they may have regarding the shooting. Tips can be submitted directly to police at 205-254-1764, or through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The police department continuously emphasizes the importance of community partnership in addressing and resolving such senseless violence.
The residents of Birmingham stand united in seeking justice for the victims and a safer community for all.
