In a tragic display of violence, Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood was the scene of a horrific mass shooting late Saturday night, claiming four lives and leaving several others injured. The incident unfolded outside the Hush Hookah/Cigar Lounge on the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue at approximately 11 p.m., shaking the close-knit community to its core.
Responding to reports of gunfire, police arrived at the scene to find a grim sight. Three victims—two men and a woman—lay unresponsive on the sidewalk, having succumbed to their injuries before help could arrive. A fourth victim, who had been rushed to UAB Hospital, was later pronounced dead despite efforts to save their life.
The four individuals who lost their lives in the attack were later identified as Tahj Booker, Rod Patterson, Carlos Gray, and Anitra Reyonna, names that now echo through a city grappling with grief and shock. UAB Hospital, already stretched in handling the aftermath of the shooting, confirmed that a total of 12 victims, including the deceased, had been brought in for emergency care. Four of those remain hospitalized with conditions ranging from stable to critical, while others were transported to various hospitals across Birmingham.
Initial reports from the Birmingham Police Department suggest that this was not a random act of violence. According to police, multiple suspects arrived at the scene in a vehicle, exited, and opened fire on a group of people gathered outside the lounge. Bullets rained down indiscriminately, leaving a trail of destruction as innocent bystanders, likely unaware of the impending danger, were caught in the crossfire.
During a press conference, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond addressed the public, offering more insight into what may have triggered the attack. He revealed that the primary target of the shooters may have been specifically paid to be killed, indicating a possible hit. In a chilling revelation, Chief Thurmond confirmed that fully automatic weapons had been used in the massacre, with more than 100 shell casings recovered from the crime scene. This fact has heightened the fear and outrage of Birmingham’s residents, who are already grappling with rising crime rates.
Birmingham, like many cities across the U.S., has been battling a surge in gun violence. Saturday night’s shooting, while shocking, is sadly part of a broader trend of senseless killings that have plagued the city in recent years. In 2023 alone, the city reported an alarming increase in homicides, which experts believe is fueled by a combination of factors, including gang activity, poverty, and easy access to firearms. Mayor Randall Woodfin, who has been vocal in his calls for an end to the violence, expressed his deep sorrow and frustration following the tragic event. “We are losing too many lives, too many innocent lives,” Woodfin stated, echoing the sentiments of a city in mourning.
As the community seeks answers, law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. While no arrests have been made at the time of writing, the Birmingham Police Department has launched an aggressive investigation into the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward, stressing the importance of community involvement in solving this case. Chief Thurmond made a direct appeal to the public, encouraging witnesses to contact the Birmingham Police Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or dial 911. For those seeking to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The fallout from this tragic event will be felt for years to come, as families mourn the loss of loved ones, survivors begin the long road to recovery, and a city confronts the violence that has become all too frequent. In the words of Mayor Woodfin, “We cannot continue down this path. We have to do better, and we will.” As the investigation unfolds, Birmingham remains united in grief and in hope for a safer future.