A shooting at a Birmingham, Alabama nightclub late Saturday night, July 13, 2024, has left four people dead and at least ten others injured, according to the Birmingham Police Department (BPD). The incident occurred at a privately owned club at 3400 27th Street North during a birthday party celebration.
At 11:08 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to a call reporting multiple gunshot victims. Upon arrival, they discovered numerous individuals with gunshot wounds both inside and outside the nightclub. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Services (BFRS) quickly arrived at the scene, pronouncing 39-year-old Stevie McGhee dead on the sidewalk outside the building.
Inside the nightclub, BFRS found two women suffering from gunshot wounds – 42-year-old Markeisha Gettings and 56-year-old Angela Weatherspoon, both of whom were also pronounced dead. As the police secured the scene, more gunshot victims began arriving at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital via BFRS personnel and private vehicles. Among them was 24-year-old Lerandus Anderson, who was later pronounced dead by hospital staff.
According to Officer Truman Fitzgerald of the Birmingham Police Department, at least ten individuals are currently receiving treatment at UAB Hospital for gunshot wounds, with conditions ranging from stable to critical. “This senseless act of violence has shaken our community to its core,” said Fitzgerald. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of our citizens.”
The preliminary investigation suggests that the shooting stemmed from an altercation inside the club during the birthday party. Authorities believe that after the argument, at least one suspect drove by and fired shots from the street into the nightclub. Detectives work tirelessly to determine the exact sequence of events and identify the suspects involved.
This incident marks the second shooting in Birmingham within six hours, as three others were killed in a separate shooting on Indian Summer Drive earlier that evening. The victims of that shooting included a young child, highlighting a particularly violent night in the city.
The BPD has called on the community for assistance in their investigations. “We need swift justice for the victims and their families,” stated Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “The shooter or shooters deserve no safe harbor from their own family, friends, or strangers. Do not protect them.”
The police have asked anyone with information regarding either shooting to contact them at 205-254-1764 or to remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. In this case, a reward of $5,000 is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest.
As the community struggles with the aftermath of these violent events, BPD remains resolute in its mission to restore a sense of safety and security.
Federal law enforcement authorities have also been deployed to assist Birmingham police in their investigation. The increased presence aims to ensure a thorough and swift resolution to this case.