Four people lost their lives and at least ten others were wounded in a shooting at a privately owned nightclub in Birmingham, Alabama, on the late evening of Saturday, July 13, 2024, as reported by the Birmingham Police Department (BPD). The violent incident took place at a birthday celebration being held at the club, located at 3400 27th Street North.
North Precinct officers responded to a call indicating multiple gunshot victims at 11:08 p.m. Upon their arrival, they found several individuals sustaining gunshot injuries both inside and outside the nightclub. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Services (BFRS) reached the scene promptly, declaring Stevie McGhee, 39, dead on the sidewalk outside the venue.
Two women, 42-year-old Markeisha Gettings and 56-year-old Angela Weatherspoon, were found inside the nightclub by BFRS personnel, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. As the police stabilized the scene, additional gunshot victims, including 24-year-old Lerandus Anderson, were transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital by BFRS and private vehicles. Anderson was later pronounced dead by the hospital staff.
At least ten individuals are currently being treated for gunshot wounds at UAB Hospital, with conditions varying from stable to critical, according to Officer Truman Fitzgerald of BPD. “This senseless act of violence has shaken our community to its core,” Fitzgerald said. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of our citizens.”
The initial investigation suggests the shooting started from a dispute inside the club during the birthday celebration. Authorities speculate that after the altercation, at least one suspect drove by and fired shots from the street into the nightclub. Detectives are diligently working to establish the exact sequence of events and identify the suspects involved.
This incident is the second shooting in Birmingham within a span of six hours, with three other fatalities from a separate shooting on Indian Summer Drive earlier that evening, including a young child. This underscores a night of heightened violence in the city.
BPD is seeking assistance from the community in their investigations. “We need swift justice for the victims and their families,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed. “The shooter or shooters deserve no safe harbor from their own family, friends, or strangers. Do not protect them.”
Police are urging anyone with information about either shooting to reach out to them at 205-254-1764 or, for those wishing to remain anonymous, to call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A reward of $5,000 is being offered for tips leading to an arrest in this case.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of these violent incidents, the BPD remains steadfast in its mission to restore a sense of safety and security.
Federal law enforcement authorities have been deployed to assist the Birmingham police in their investigative efforts. The increased presence aims to ensure a thorough and speedy resolution to this case.