A devastating mass shooting took place late Saturday night in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood, outside the Hush Hookah/Cigar Lounge on Magnolia Avenue. The horrific attack, which occurred around 11 p.m., claimed the lives of four individuals and left 12 others injured. The scene outside the popular nightlife venue, where patrons and passersby were enjoying a typical weekend, was transformed into one of chaos and bloodshed as multiple gunmen indiscriminately opened fire.
Newly surfaced video footage, captured by a bystander’s phone, reveals the terrifying moments when gunfire erupted, sending people scrambling for cover. In the video, gunshots can be heard echoing through the night as panicked screams fill the air. People were seen ducking behind cars, fleeing into nearby businesses, or hitting the ground in an attempt to escape the barrage of bullets. The intensity and rapid pace of the gunfire suggested the use of automatic weapons, a fact later confirmed by Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond.
When police officers arrived at the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue, they discovered three victims—two men and a woman—lying lifeless on the sidewalk. Despite the swift response by emergency personnel, it was clear that nothing could be done to save them, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim, who was transported to UAB Hospital in critical condition, later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll from the attack to four.
The victims who tragically lost their lives in the mass shooting have been identified as 23-year-old Tahj Booker, 32-year-old Rod Patterson, 27-year-old Carlos Gray, and 26-year-old Anitra Reyonna. Their families are now left grappling with unimaginable grief, as they come to terms with the sudden loss of their loved ones in such a senseless act of violence.
In addition to the deceased, UAB Hospital received 12 other victims with varying degrees of injuries. Four of those individuals remain hospitalized, with conditions ranging from good to critical. Medical professionals have been working tirelessly to stabilize the injured, many of whom were struck multiple times by gunfire. The remaining victims were transported to other hospitals throughout Birmingham, where they are receiving care for their injuries.
The Birmingham Police Department has launched an intensive investigation into the shooting, which authorities believe was not a random act of violence but a targeted attack. According to police, multiple suspects arrived at the Hush Hookah Lounge in a vehicle and began firing indiscriminately at a group of people gathered on the sidewalk outside the establishment. Investigators suspect that at least one of the victims was the intended target of a paid assassination, a chilling revelation that has shocked the local community.
Police Chief Scott Thurmond provided additional details during a press conference, confirming that fully automatic weapons were used in the attack. Over 100 shell casings were recovered from the scene, underscoring the extreme level of firepower involved. The use of automatic weapons in urban settings like Five Points South, a popular dining and nightlife district in Birmingham, is a disturbing escalation of violence in a city already grappling with a rising crime rate.
The brazen nature of the attack and the sheer number of casualties have raised urgent questions about the growing prevalence of gun violence in Birmingham. Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his deep concern over the incident and the broader issue of violent crime in the city. “This level of violence is simply unacceptable,” Mayor Woodfin said in a statement. “We cannot allow our communities to be terrorized by individuals who have no regard for human life. We must come together as a city to find solutions to this epidemic of gun violence.”
The mass shooting outside Hush Hookah Lounge is just the latest in a series of violent incidents that have shaken Birmingham in recent years. Once known primarily for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, the city has increasingly found itself in the headlines for violent crimes, particularly shootings. As gun violence continues to plague Birmingham, local leaders, law enforcement, and community activists are calling for a comprehensive approach to tackle the root causes of crime, which include poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and systemic inequality.
Five Points South, the site of the shooting, is a well-known Birmingham district renowned for its nightlife, restaurants, and historic charm. On any given weekend, the area is bustling with activity as locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the various entertainment options. However, the peace and sense of community that once defined Five Points South were shattered on Saturday night as bullets rained down on unsuspecting bystanders, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.
As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, the focus has turned to identifying the suspects involved. Authorities are combing through surveillance footage from nearby businesses and reviewing the video captured by witnesses in the hope of gathering crucial evidence that could lead to arrests. Witnesses have described the suspects as arriving at the scene in a dark-colored vehicle, exiting the car with weapons, and firing indiscriminately before quickly fleeing the area.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the circumstances surrounding the shooting to come forward. The Birmingham Police Department’s Homicide Unit can be reached at 205-254-1764, and anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Authorities are offering rewards for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the attack.
For the families of the victims, the path to healing will be long and difficult. The loss of four young lives in such a violent manner has left their loved ones devastated. Tahj Booker, a rising basketball star with aspirations of going professional, was just 23 years old. Rod Patterson, a 32-year-old father of two, was known for his infectious smile and dedication to his family. Carlos Gray, 27, had recently started a promising career in construction, while 26-year-old Anitra Reyonna was a beloved member of her church and community, known for her volunteer work and passion for helping others.
The families of the deceased are now preparing for funerals while also seeking answers about what led to the senseless killing of their loved ones. Community organizations, churches, and support groups have rallied around the families, offering financial assistance for funeral costs, grief counseling, and other resources. Memorial services are being planned, and vigils will be held in their honor in the coming days as the community mourns this immense loss.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Birmingham community is grappling with the broader issue of gun violence that has taken root in the city. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter gun control measures, including bans on automatic weapons and expanded background checks for firearm purchasers. Others are pushing for more investment in youth programs, job training initiatives, and mental health services to address the underlying social issues that often lead to violence.
The Birmingham Police Department, for its part, has pledged to increase patrols in high-crime areas and has begun coordinating with federal law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal gun trafficking. However, the challenge of reducing gun violence in a city where guns are readily accessible remains a formidable one. Local officials are also exploring ways to strengthen community-police relations, as many residents have expressed frustration with the slow pace of investigations and the perceived lack of accountability for those involved in violent crimes.
Despite these challenges, the people of Birmingham are determined to reclaim their city from the violence that has too often dominated the headlines. In the wake of the mass shooting, community leaders are organizing town hall meetings, forums, and public safety discussions to bring residents together to find solutions. Local churches and civic organizations are also stepping up to provide safe spaces for residents to voice their concerns and share ideas about how to prevent further bloodshed.
The tragic events outside Hush Hookah Lounge on Saturday night have left Birmingham reeling, but the city remains resilient in the face of adversity. The loss of four lives and the injury of 12 others is a stark reminder of the destructive power of gun violence, but it has also galvanized the community to take action.
As Birmingham grieves the loss of Tahj Booker, Rod Patterson, Carlos Gray, and Anitra Reyonna, the fight for a safer, more peaceful city continues. Residents are hopeful that justice will be served for the victims and their families, and that the city will emerge from this tragedy stronger, more united, and more committed to addressing the root causes of violence.
The investigation into the mass shooting remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. With the community’s help, authorities are determined to track down the suspects responsible for this horrific act and bring them to justice. As the city mourns, Birmingham must now work to heal and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
