Former Hush Lounge security guard reflects on arrests and ongoing trauma after mass shooting

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) –A former security guard at the Hush Lounge in Birmingham expresses relief over recent arrests in connection with the mass shooting at the venue in September.

However, Billy Welch, who was on duty the night of the incident, says the trauma of that day is a constant part of his life.

Welch, who no longer works at Hush Lounge, said he is slowly trying to return to normal life, but memories of the shooting are making it difficult.

The mass shooting in the Five Points South area left four people dead and 17 others injured. In the last few weeks Birmingham Police have made significant progress in the casewith several arrests, including that of 22-year-old Damien Laron McDaniel III, who is accused of being involved in the deaths of six people within 72 hours.

Welch said he was surprised by the amount of tips police received during the investigation. According to Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond, police have received over 300 tips related to the investigation.

As Welch reflected on the incident and subsequent arrests, he realized the outcome could have been even worse.

“It could have been more,” Welch said. “That’s the crazy thing about it. The crazy thing is he got caught, so I don’t even know if he would say anything about anyone.”

Welch, who watched the recent police news conference announcing the arrests, said it gave him some relief. He also noted that he recently went out for the first time since the shooting and attended a comedy show with his wife, but the experience was less than pleasant.

“We go out here to the comedy show and someone starts arguing outside and everyone goes to their cars. It’s one of those things – you never know what’s going to happen now,” recalls Welch.

Despite the ongoing trauma, Welch praised the community for its role in helping authorities move forward in the case and emphasized the impact of the more than 300 tips received.

“It was 300 tips, which means, hey, we can’t go out. There could be 300 people stopping by,” Welch said.

After the shooting, Welch left his job at Hush Lounge and has continued to work security since then, but is currently avoiding working at clubs or bars.

The investigation into the mass shooting is ongoing and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward.

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