Birmingham authorities are investigating after an alleged murder-for-hire plot left four people dead and dozens injured.
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Here’s what happened in Birmingham and why police believe it was a murder-for-hire plot
According to Fox NewsA shooting occurred on the evening of Saturday, September 21, in a “popular nightlife district” in the city. Police reportedly responded to calls of gunfire around 11 p.m. that night. The city’s fire and rescue crews also reportedly took at least eight victims to the hospital. Their injuries were said to range from “non-life-threatening to life-threatening.”
On Sunday, September 22, the Birmingham Police Department reportedly confirmed to the news agency that two men and a woman were killed near the University of Alabama. Additionally, a fourth male victim was reportedly pronounced dead from his injuries at the hospital.
Since then, the victims have been revealed to be Anitra Holloman21, Booker Tahj27, and Carlos McCain27. The fourth victim has not yet been publicly identified, according to AP News.
More details on authorities’ search for suspect
The shooting reportedly took place “on the sidewalk and street” of a bar called Hush. The city’s police chief, Scott Thurmond, reportedly revealed that it was believed one of the dead victims was “targeted… possibly as a hired killer.”
Additionally, the sheriff explained that it is believed a vehicle arrived in the area and “multiple gunmen” began shooting. They then allegedly fled the scene, leaving behind approximately 100 shell casings.
“We believe there was a ‘hit,’ if you will, on that particular person,” Sheriff Thurmond said, according to AP News.
Each Fox Newsanother officer named Truman Fitzgerald told AL.com that the government “will do everything possible to detect, identify and hunt down those responsible for preying on our people.”
Victims and witnesses recount the scene
According to AP NewsAt least 17 people were injured in the incident. A 24-year-old victim named Gabriel Eslami is said to have explained that he was waiting to enter a club when “suddenly” he heard “gunfire everywhere”.
“I looked back, and there were dead bodies lying on the sidewalk with gun smoke still in the air. It was like a scene from a horror movie,” he said.
Immediately afterwards, Eslami realized he had been hit in the leg.
Meanwhile, Geoffrey Boshell, 22, witnessed the chaos of the incident.
“I heard it, looked out the window and immediately saw people screaming, running away from the scene,” he recalled. “I’m not sure if fear is the right word…”
CNN Birmingham authorities were reported to be working with the FBI to continue searching for the suspects. CBS News added that a reward of up to $100,000 is now being offered to anyone with “information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible.”
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