Petition Calls For CRU Lounge Shooting To Be Labeled a Hate Crime

"Rashid didn’t deserve to be murdered at the hands of a homophobic security guard at this establishment," read a petition started by Jazmine Peoples.

The petition was started on Change.org on January 22nd, 2024 following the murder of Rashid Little at a Tuscaloosa hookah lounge this weekend.

As reported by The Tuscaloosa Thread, 35-year-old Arron Dewayne Hill, a security guard at CRU Lounge in southern Tuscaloosa was charged with murder after he allegedly shot and killed the unarmed victim Rashid Little, age 28.

CRU Lounge is part of a broader chain of hookah clubs that serve food and drinks and is located at 6571 Highway 69 South in Patriot Park where Lucy's Old Country Cooking did business before they relocated to Alberta.

In just a few days, the petition has garnered over 1,000 signatures.

"Justice need to be served. From all parties. Praying 🙏 for the family," read one comment from someone who signed the petition.

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"This was a hate crime," the petition stated.

"Rashid didn’t deserve to be murdered at the hands of a homophobic security guard at this establishment. Rashid was unarmed and did not pose a threat to any of these individuals."

The petition has a goal of 1,500 signatures and calls for local authorities and the public to "join us in this fight for justice for Rashid Little and public safety."

As previously reported by the Tuscaloosa Thread, the homicide marks the second one investigated in Tuscaloosa County so far in 2024.

You can find more information on the newly created petition here.