Police in Birmingham, Alabama, have launched a manhunt after a mass shooting killed four people and injured 18 others late Saturday night. The attack occurred when multiple shooters opened fire on a large group of people before fleeing in a vehicle. Authorities believe the shooters were targeting one individual, who was among the deceased.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond revealed that the suspects may have used a fully automatic weapon, which is illegal. The shooting took place in one of the city’s most popular entertainment districts. Social media posts showed injured individuals on the ground as others awaited medical help.
At least four of the injured are in critical condition, with 12 victims receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. Officers arrived shortly after 11 p.m. to find three victims—two men and one woman—dead at the scene, while a fourth victim was pronounced dead at UAB hospital. So far, no arrests have been made.
The Birmingham Police Department has urged the public to come forward with information, assuring that tips can be provided anonymously. They are also working with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to investigate the incident.
This marks the second mass shooting in Birmingham this year. In July, another shooting at a nightclub resulted in four deaths. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed frustration over the rise in gun violence and called for action, mentioning that the city saw a decrease in shootings following a ban on assault weapons in 1994. However, violence surged after the ban expired in 2004.
Mayor Woodfin emphasized the need for action beyond law enforcement, stating that gun violence is a national crisis. He called on elected officials at all levels of government to take responsibility for solving the epidemic of firearm-related crimes.
Police continue to search for the shooters and have asked local businesses with security cameras to provide any footage that could help in the investigation.
Original content Creator – NBCNews.com
