Baltimore County is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly mass shooting at Azuz Hookah Lounge. This establishment, police say, lacked the necessary county hookah and vapor lounge use permits and a Maryland liquor license. The violence, which claimed one life and injured three others, occurred at the Woodlawn Drive venue located in a known trouble spot for law enforcement. According to FOX Baltimore, this incident marks the second mass shooting at the strip mall in just over a year.
Despite Baltimore County Police's frequent visits, averaging more than two a day and around 300 self-initiated calls for service in the first five months of this year, oversight seems to have fallen through the cracks. Operating unabated, it's unclear whether Azuz Hookah Lounge had been formally cited or mandated to close its doors before last week's carnage unfolded.
Recent legislation increased the scope of Baltimore County Code Enforcement’s duties to include verifying businesses have the proper permits; however, there seems to be historical uncertainty over which agency previously held that responsibility. After the shooting, a police department spokesperson relayed a commitment to investigating "After Hours" parties at locations like Azuz Hookah Lounge. "The Baltimore County Police Department is aware of 'After Hours' parties at the location and is collaborating with Code Enforcement to ensure that these businesses are properly investigated and held accountable, potentially facing fines," the spokesperson announced per a statement detailed by FOX Baltimore.
Meanwhile, police continue their manhunt for suspects linked to the shooting, with Metro Crime Stoppers offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest. The venue’s property owner has already taken measures to change the establishment's locks. Notwithstanding, CBS News Baltimore reported that the county has seen a 7.5% decrease in weapons violations from 732 in 2023 to 677 in 2024, which lightens the backdrop against which this latest burst of violence jarringly contrasts.
