On April 2, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded at the EV Lounge, a hookah bar located in the 5000 block of Yadkin Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina. An altercation that began inside the establishment escalated into a deadly shooting, resulting in the death of 30-year-old Anthony Bradshaw and injuries to four others.
The confrontation started inside the EV Lounge, where shots were initially fired, injuring two individuals—a Black male and an Indian male—both of whom sustained
non-life-threatening injuries. The conflict then spilled into the parking lot, where additional gunfire erupted. During this exchange, Anthony Bradshaw was fatally struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Two other Black males were also shot outside the establishment; one was hospitalized in critical condition, while the other suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Fayetteville Police Department launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. On August 28, 2023, more than four months after the incident, authorities arrested 28-year-old Rolondo Boone of Hope Mills. Boone was charged with first-degree murder for the death of Anthony Bradshaw and was held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond.
Further details about Boone revealed that he was a soldier stationed at Fort Liberty. The circumstances leading to the altercation and subsequent shooting at the EV Lounge remain under investigation, with authorities continuing to seek information to piece together the events of that night.
The tragic death of Anthony Bradshaw marked the tenth homicide in Fayetteville for the year 2023, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence in the community. The incident prompted discussions about safety measures in local establishments and the effectiveness of interventions to prevent such occurrences.
