4 Dead, 18 Injured in Birmingham Shooting: Mass Manhunt Underway
At least four people were killed, and 18 others were injured in a mass shooting at one of Birmingham’s busy districts for nightclubs, which is popularly known as Five Points South. The shooting was carried out by 7 or more suspects, and a massive manhunt is on for the culprits. It happened around 11 p.m., with word spreading quickly through the neighborhood.
Shooting not considered random
The shooting is believed to have resulted from an isolated incident and was not random, according to Birmingham police. The shooting happened in the parking lot of Hush Hookah and Cigar Lounge on Magnolia Avenue South where bullets started flying around 11 p. m., injuring innocent bystanders.
“Obviously, we are going to do everything the law allows us to do to find, identify and arrest who was responsible here,” said Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald.
The Devastating Incident
The melee erupted as hundreds of people waited in line outside the lounge early Sunday morning. Eyewitnesses said that gunshots were fired, including some from the switch of a weapon configured to act like an automatic firearm.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin called the modified weapons — “Glock switches” or “switches” — a public safety threat in the state’s most populous city. Fully automatic weapons are NOT lawful instruments in our communities.
The Victims
Two men and a woman were also killed and all pronounced dead at the scene. They were discovered lying unconscious on the sidewalk, each with several gun shot wounds. A second male, who was also shot but sought treatment at UAB Hospital, died later on. Police said the victims were all adults but have not released any identities.
Many of the injured are seriously hurt, with police saying at least four have life-threatening injuries.
Jennifer Dunne, Purdue spokeswoman, said the case was being investigated. Police have made no arrests.
No one was in custody early Sunday. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are also assisting in the investigation. They asked anyone with information to call the Birmingham Police Department’s homicide division or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, where a $5,000 rewards is be offered for tips that lead to arrest in cases like this.
Additionally, businesses in the area have been questioned about any security footage they may have that could assist with the case.
2nd Mass Shooting In Birmingham This Year
It was Birmingham’s second mass shooting of 2024. A nightclub shooting in July where four people were killed has added to worries about gun violence plaguing the city.
Five Points South, with many nightlife options, restaurants and live music venues is usually a hive of weekend activity. The mood in the city is grim as authorities still look for the shooters.