In the early hours of Saturday morning, tragedy struck outside the Anubis Hookah Lounge in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as gunfire erupted, claiming the life of a young man and injuring another. According to the Fayetteville Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunshots outside the lounge, located at 5391 Ramsey Street, just before 2 a.m. When they arrived at the scene, they discovered 25-year-old Elijah Wyand, suffering from a severe gunshot wound in the parking lot. Despite swift medical intervention, Wyand succumbed to his injuries at the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
The incident, which has left the community in shock, also resulted in a second individual being injured. The unnamed individual was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. As police work to piece together the events of that night, the Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit has launched an intense investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting and to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the fatal attack.
A Routine Night Turns Deadly
The fatal shooting took place in an area typically known for its bustling nightlife and social gatherings. Anubis Hookah Lounge, located in the heart of Fayetteville’s commercial district, is a popular spot frequented by young adults who gather to socialize, enjoy music, and unwind after a long week. The events of Saturday morning shattered the usual lively atmosphere, replacing it with fear, confusion, and profound sadness.
According to initial reports, the gunfire broke out in the parking lot of the establishment just after patrons began leaving the lounge. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing in different directions as the sound of gunshots pierced the night. Many sought cover behind vehicles, unsure of where the gunfire was coming from or who was involved.
Within minutes of the shots being fired, Fayetteville police were on the scene, securing the area and rendering aid to the victims. Elijah Wyand was found lying on the ground, critically injured. Officers and paramedics administered first aid before transporting him to the hospital, but despite their best efforts, Wyand was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A second victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, sustained a gunshot wound as well but is expected to recover from their injuries. This individual was also taken to a nearby hospital and has since been released, though police have not disclosed whether they have been able to provide additional details about the shooter.
Who Was Elijah Wyand?
The death of Elijah Wyand has sent waves of grief through the Fayetteville community, particularly among his family, friends, and those who knew him best. Elijah was a 25-year-old man with his whole life ahead of him, known for his friendly nature, strong work ethic, and sense of humor. His untimely death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who loved him.
Friends and family described Elijah as a loving son, loyal friend, and hard worker. He was known for his infectious smile and the way he made others laugh. His passion for music and his love of spending time with friends often brought him to local social spots like the Anubis Hookah Lounge, where he enjoyed relaxing and connecting with others.
“Elijah had a way of bringing people together. He was just so easy to talk to, always knew how to make people feel comfortable. He didn’t deserve this,” one of his close friends shared, visibly shaken by the loss. “It’s hard to believe he’s gone. We just saw him last night, laughing, joking around, and now he’s not here anymore. It’s devastating.”
Wyand’s family is grappling with the immense shock of losing their son in such a violent and unexpected manner. In a statement issued by the family, they expressed their heartbreak over the loss of Elijah, calling him the light of their lives. “Our hearts are broken beyond words. Elijah was the kind of person who could walk into a room and instantly make it brighter. He was caring, thoughtful, and always put others first. We can’t believe that someone would take his life like this,” they wrote.
The family also urged the public to come forward with any information that could help police track down the person responsible for their son’s death. “We want justice for Elijah. If anyone knows anything, please, please speak up. We can’t let whoever did this get away with it,” they pleaded.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit is working tirelessly to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting. As of now, no arrests have been made, but detectives are following up on leads and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and security cameras in an effort to identify the suspect or suspects involved.
Investigators are also interviewing witnesses who were present at the scene in hopes of piecing together the timeline of events leading up to the deadly shooting. Though police have not released a possible motive, they have confirmed that they are considering all angles, including the possibility that the incident stemmed from a personal dispute or altercation that escalated into violence.
The Fayetteville/Cumberland County CrimeStoppers program has joined efforts to assist in the investigation, offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s). CrimeStoppers has emphasized that tips can be provided anonymously, and they are urging anyone with details, no matter how small, to come forward and help bring the responsible parties to justice.
“We are asking anyone who was at the Anubis Hookah Lounge or in the area at the time of the shooting to contact us. Even if you didn’t witness the shooting itself, you may have seen something that could help us,” said a spokesperson for the Fayetteville Police Department. “This is a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young man, and we are committed to finding out who is responsible and holding them accountable.”
Community Response and Calls for Safety
The fatal shooting has sent shockwaves through the Fayetteville community, with many residents expressing both grief and frustration over the rise in violent crime in the city. In recent years, Fayetteville, like many other cities across the country, has seen an uptick in shootings and violent incidents, particularly in areas with heavy nightlife activity.
The tragedy outside the Anubis Hookah Lounge has reignited concerns about public safety, especially in places where young adults gather. Residents and business owners in the Ramsey Street area have expressed fear that violence is becoming too commonplace, with some calling for increased police patrols and enhanced security measures at nightlife venues.
“This used to be a neighborhood where we felt safe going out at night, but things have changed,” said one local business owner. “It seems like every week we hear about another shooting or some kind of violence happening in the city. It’s scary, and something needs to be done.”
City officials and community leaders have echoed these concerns, acknowledging the need for stronger action to prevent future incidents of gun violence. Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins has vowed to take a proactive approach, emphasizing that the department is working closely with local businesses and community organizations to enhance safety in high-traffic areas.
“We understand the concerns of the community, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening,” Chief Hawkins said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our partners and use every resource available to bring those responsible to justice and ensure that our city remains a safe place for everyone.”
In addition to calls for increased police presence, community advocates are pushing for broader efforts to address the root causes of violence in Fayetteville. Organizations focused on youth outreach, conflict resolution, and mental health services have emphasized the importance of providing young people with alternatives to violence and investing in programs that promote positive social connections.
Remembering Elijah Wyand and Moving Forward
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the Fayetteville community is coming together to honor the life of Elijah Wyand. Friends and family have organized a memorial in his memory, with a candlelight vigil planned for the upcoming weekend. The vigil will take place near the site of the shooting, where loved ones will gather to share memories of Elijah and reflect on the impact he had on their lives.
While the pain of his loss is still fresh, those who knew Elijah are determined to ensure that his legacy is not defined by the tragic way in which he died. “Elijah was so much more than what happened to him,” said a family member. “He was a son, a brother, a friend. He touched so many lives, and we want to remember him for the love and joy he brought to all of us.”
As the city of Fayetteville grapples with the senseless violence that took Elijah’s life, there is a growing sense of urgency to find solutions and prevent future tragedies. For now, the community mourns the loss of a young man taken far too soon and awaits justice for Elijah Wyand.
