The tragic mass shooting that took place outside a popular Alabama bar may have been a murder-for-hire “hit” job, according to authorities. The incident occurred in Birmingham’s busy Five Points South entertainment district at a hookah bar on late Saturday night, leaving four people dead and more than a dozen injured.
Police believe that the shooting was a targeted hit after multiple shooters were seen emerging from a vehicle, opening fire, and then fleeing the scene. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond stated, “We believe that there was a ‘hit,’ if you will, on that particular person.” Three victims – Anitra Holloman (21), Tahj Booker (27), and Carlos McCain (27) were pronounced dead at the scene, while another unnamed victim succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
As authorities continue to investigate, it is still unclear who was the intended target in this tragic event. In the early hours of Sunday, scores of victims began arriving at various hospitals, with police identifying 17 people with injuries, some of which were life-threatening. Around 100 shell casings have been recovered from the scene.
Determining what weapons were used in the attack remains a challenge for investigators, as it appears that some gunfire was “fully automatic.” Authorities are also trying to establish whether anyone returned fire during the incident, which could have potentially created a crossfire situation.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin emphasized the importance of tracking down the suspects involved in this horrifying event, saying, “The priority is to find these shooters and get them off our streets.” Mayor Woodfin also expressed frustration at the current state of gun violence in the United States, calling it an epidemic crisis.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain hopeful that they can bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice and ultimately help prevent future acts of violence from occurring.
