$100,000 Reward Offered as Police Search for Gunmen

Authorities in Birmingham, Alabama, have announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of the gunmen involved in a tragic mass shooting that occurred this past Saturday night. The incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 17 others injured at a lounge located in the Five Points South Entertainment District.

During a press conference on Monday, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond provided updates on the case, stating that five of the injured victims were still hospitalized. The police chief emphasized the need for the community’s help, noting that while investigators have already received a significant number of tips, they encourage more individuals with information to come forward.

The FBI is also joining the effort to gather information. Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples announced that the FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of the shooters. Peeples reassured the public that those who provide information can remain anonymous.

In a collaborative effort to find the shooters, Frank Barefield, the chairman of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, revealed an additional reward of $50,000, marking the largest reward ever issued by the organization. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin stressed the importance of community involvement in the investigation, stating, “You can receive up to $100,000 if you have credible information that leads to, one, an arrest, and another, an actual conviction.”

The mayor called on citizens to take action, declaring that the community should not offer protection or refuge to individuals who engage in such violent acts. “We cannot give safe harbor or shelter to people who want to just simply kill people. They should not feel safe in our community – they should not feel safe anywhere,” Woodfin asserted. Chief Thurmond echoed this sentiment, assuring the public that law enforcement is determined to apprehend the individuals responsible, saying, “We’re gonna hunt you down and we’re gonna arrest you.”

Preliminary information suggests that at least one person at the scene may have been deliberately targeted during the shooting. Police believe that the firearms utilized in this incident were converted to fully automatic weapons, a detail that has raised considerable concern among law enforcement officials. Chief Thurmond stated plainly, “Fully automatic weapons do not belong on the streets.”

Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and horrifying environment as gunfire erupted. Gabriel Eslami, who was among those injured, recalled being in a long line outside the lounge when the shots rang out. “There are bodies on the sidewalk. There’s smoke from the guns,” Eslami recounted, likening the experience to a “horror movie.”

Eslami emphasized his feeling of luck despite his injuries, thanking his friend who quickly transported him to the hospital. He vividly remembered screaming for help, stating, “I get there, I’m screaming, ‘Help! Help! I’ve been shot, I’ve been shot.’”

Authorities have identified three of the four deceased victims: 21-year-old Anitra Holloman, 27-year-old Tahj Booker, and 27-year-old Carlos McCain. The widespread impact of this violence has resonated throughout the Birmingham community, highlighting the urgent need for support in the investigation and increased awareness surrounding gun violence.

The Birmingham police and the FBI continue their investigation as they seek to provide justice for the victims and their families. The local community has been urged to come forward with any pertinent information.

Source: ABC News