A mass shooting late Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama, has left four people dead and at least 18 others injured in the bustling Five Points South neighborhood, known for its bars and proximity to the University of Alabama.
The Birmingham Police Department confirmed that the shooting was not random but stemmed from an “isolated incident.” Two men and one woman died at the scene, while a fourth man succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. One of the deceased has been identified as Hannah Echols, according to local hospital officials.
Many of the injured were standing on the sidewalk or in the street, with four sustaining life-threatening wounds. Witness Dajon Singleton described the chaotic scene to local media, recalling, “There were people crying… the grieving type screaming. That’s when I instantly knew someone lost a loved one.”
Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald emphasized that the shooting involved multiple victims caught in the crossfire. Investigators are still working to determine how many shooters were involved and the motive behind the violence. The department is urging anyone with information to come forward, offering a $5,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest.
“There is no greater resource than the public,” Fitzgerald said, encouraging witnesses to reach out.
Authorities are also looking into whether the shooter or shooters were on foot or in a vehicle and have requested security footage from local businesses. The FBI and ATF are assisting with the investigation.
“Rest assured, we will do everything possible to uncover, identify, and hold accountable those responsible for this tragedy,” Fitzgerald stated.
“These mass shootings have more to do with culture than they do with criminality,” he added. “We are seeing far too many arguments being decided by bullets.”
This incident is part of a troubling trend in the U.S., where there have been over 400 mass shootings reported this year. Fitzgerald noted, “These mass shootings have more to do with culture than they do with criminality. We are seeing far too many arguments being decided by bullets.”
