A mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, late Saturday night has resulted in at least four fatalities and 18 injuries, according to police. The incident occurred in the bustling Five Points South area, known for its nightlife.
Birmingham police officer Truman Fitzgerald reported that “multiple shooters fired multiple shots on a group of people.” At the scene, officers discovered the bodies of two men and one woman, while a third man later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Investigators are working to determine whether the assailants approached the victims on foot or from a vehicle. Officer Fitzgerald emphasized that the shooting was “not random” and appeared to be the result of an isolated incident, with multiple victims caught in the crossfire. Detectives are now focused on identifying the intended targets of the attack.
No suspects have been apprehended, and authorities are actively seeking information. The Birmingham Police Department is collaborating with the FBI and other federal agencies, offering a $5,000 reward for tips. They have also established a web portal for the public to submit photos and videos related to the incident.
Witnesses who were waiting outside a hookah and cigar lounge on Magnolia Avenue described the sound of gunfire, with some suggesting that it resembled the discharge of a fully automatic weapon. Earlier reports indicated that there were “dozens of gunshot victims” following the shooting.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin pointed to “Glock switches” as a key contributor to the violence. These devices can be attached to handguns to enable automatic firing. In a social media post, he stated that Glock switches represent “the number one public safety issue in our city and state.” He lamented that while the city cannot outlaw these devices, the responsibility lies with state authorities.
This shooting adds to a troubling trend, as the Gun Violence Archive reports over 400 mass shootings across the United States so far this year. The organization defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are injured or killed. The Birmingham community is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, as police work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.
