A deadly mass shooting late Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama, has left four people dead and 18 more wounded in one of the city's most popular entertainment districts. The attack, which took place in the bustling Five Points South area near the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has rattled the city as police continue to search for multiple suspects involved in the violence.
Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald described the incident as a targeted attack. "This was not a random shooting," Fitzgerald stated during a news conference on Sunday. "It stemmed from an isolated incident where multiple victims were caught in the crossfire." Authorities believe the intended target was among a large crowd outside the Hush Cigar and Hookah Lounge, a popular nightclub in the area.
The shooting occurred just after 11 p.m. local time, as the streets were filled with people enjoying the nightlife of the Five Points South neighborhood, which is known for its restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Two men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue after being found unresponsive on a sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. A fourth victim, a man, was pronounced dead later at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
The wounded include individuals with life-threatening injuries, and officials have warned that the number of fatalities could rise as the investigation continues. According to police, more than 100 shell casings were recovered from the scene, indicating the sheer intensity of the attack.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurman revealed that the gunmen used fully automatic weapons in the attack, with at least one firearm outfitted with an illegal "Glock switch," a modification that allows handguns to fire continuously like a machine gun. "These illegal conversions are becoming an increasing problem on our streets," Thurman said, explaining that fully automatic weapons are banned in the U.S. except in rare cases with stringent federal licenses.
The gunmen reportedly arrived in a vehicle, fired at their intended target, and fled the scene immediately afterward. The area, a hub for college students and residents, was packed with people enjoying the weekend, amplifying the tragedy as bystanders were caught in the gunfire. "There's a certain element in this community who are too comfortable riding around with semi-automatic and automatic weapons," Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said during a press briefing, condemning the violent culture that has plagued the city.
This marks the third quadruple homicide in Birmingham in 2023, contributing to the city's rising crime rate, which has seen 135 homicides this year, according to AL.com. The mayor expressed frustration and sadness over the repeated mass shootings, stating, "We cannot allow this level of violence to become normal."
The Five Points South area, where the shooting took place, is located just a few blocks from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The district is a popular spot for college students, especially on weekends. The police have been working alongside federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to track down the suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to arrests.
In the aftermath of the shooting, residents and business owners are grappling with the reality of rising violence in the city. "We've never seen anything like this," said a local business owner who wished to remain anonymous. "This is a place where people come to have fun, and now it feels unsafe."
Police are also investigating whether there are any connections between this attack and another shooting that occurred at a separate nightclub just hours later. So far, authorities have stated that the two incidents appear unrelated, though both remain under investigation.
Despite efforts by law enforcement to crack down on illegal firearms and gang activity, the city has been plagued by a series of mass shootings, leading to calls for more aggressive measures to curb the violence.
The police continue their hunt for the suspects responsible for Saturday night's massacre. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible for this senseless violence are brought to justice," Officer Fitzgerald promised. As Birmingham mourns yet another tragic loss, the community is left asking when the cycle of violence will end.
