Crime
Video shows moments shots fired outside Hush Hookah bar at Five Points South in Birmingham
The four victims who were killed have been identified as Tahj Booker, Rod Patterson, Carlos Gray, and Anitra Reyonna.
A horrific mass shooting took place outside Hush Hookah/Cigar Lounge in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood on Saturday night.
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue.
Responding officers found three victims, two men and a woman, lying unresponsive on the sidewalk. Sadly, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
A fourth victim was later pronounced deceased at UAB Hospital.
The four victims who were killed have been identified as Tahj Booker, Rod Patterson, Carlos McCain, and Anitra Holloman.
UAB Hospital received a total of 12 victims, including the deceased individual.
Four of those victims remain hospitalized in varying conditions, ranging from good to critical.
The remaining victims were transported to other hospitals throughout the city.
According to police, multiple suspects arrived at the location in a vehicle. They exited the vehicle and opened fire on a group of people gathered on the sidewalk, indiscriminately firing shots before fleeing the scene. Authorities believe the shooting was not random but rather a targeted attack, with innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond revealed in a press conference that the targeted victim was likely paid to be killed.
He also confirmed that fully automatic weapons were used in the attack, with over 100 shell casings recovered from the scene. Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed deep concern about the increasing prevalence of such violent acts in the city.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Witnesses can contact the Birmingham Police Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or 911. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Orlando, Fla. โ Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruzโs father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruzโs partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruzโs partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
โWhen they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,โ Anthony Cruz said. โMy son didnโt deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt โ a shirt with a bullet hole.โ
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruzโs family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruzโs memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the clubโs property.
โI didnโt know the victim, but from everything Iโve been told, I wish I had,โ Cooper said. โHe seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.โ
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.