Birmingham authorities are investigating after a suspected murder-for-hire plot has reportedly left four dead and dozens of individuals injured.
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Here’s What Happened In Birmingham & Why Cops Believe It Was A Murder-For-Hire Plot
According to Fox News, a shooting occurred on the evening of Saturday, September 21, in a “popular nightlife district” in the city. Police reportedly responded to calls concerning gunfire around 11 p.m. that evening. Furthermore, the city’s fire and rescue crew reportedly transported at least eight victims to a hospital. Their injuries reportedly ranged from “non-life-threatening to life-threatening.”
On Sunday, September 22, the Birmingham Police Department reportedly confirmed with the outlet that two men and a woman were killed near the University of Alabama. Additionally, a fourth, male victim reportedly succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
Since then, the victims have been revealed as Anitra Holloman, 21, Tahj Booker, 27, and Carlos McCain, 27. The fourth victim has yet to be publicly identified, per AP News.
More Details On Authorities’ Search For The Suspects
According to the outlet, the shooting took place specifically “on the sidewalk and street” of a lounge called Hush. The city’s police chief, Scott Thurmond, has reportedly revealed that it’s believed one of the deceased victims was “targeted… possibly in a murder-for-hire.”
Additionally, the chief explained that it’s believed a vehicle pulled up to the area, and “multiple shooters” began firing shots. Afterward, they allegedly fled the scene, leaving about 100 shell casings.
“We believe that there was a ‘hit,’ if you will, on that particular person,” Chief Thurmond stated, per AP News.
Per Fox News, another officer named Truman Fitzgerald told AL.com that authorities “are going to do everything we possibly can to uncover, identify and hunt down whoever was responsible for preying on our people.”
Victims & Witnesses Recount The Scene
According to AP News, at least 17 people sustained injuries amid the ordeal. One 24-year-old victim named Gabriel Eslami reportedly explained that he was waiting to enter a club when “all of a sudden” he heard “gunshots everywhere.”
“I look back, and there are bodies laid out on the sidewalk with gun smoke still in the air. It looked like something from a horror movie,” he said.
Short afterward, Eslami realized he had been struck in his leg.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Geoffrey Boshell witnessed the chaos of the ordeal.
“I heard it, looked out my window, and immediately see people screaming, fleeing the scene,” he recalled. “I’m not sure scared is the right word…”
CNN reports that Birmingham authorities have partnered with the FBI as their search for the suspects continues. CBS News adds that a reward of up to $100,000 is currently being offered for anyone with “information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whomever was responsible.”
