Four people were killed and at least 21 others were wounded in a mass shooting Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama. The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue in the Five Points South area. Birmingham Police reported that two men and a woman were killed at the scene, while a fourth victim died at UAB Hospital.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue transported eight victims to the hospital, with four of them in life-threatening condition. Many others also arrived at hospitals in private vehicles. Officer Truman Fitzgerald stated that no suspects have been taken into custody yet, and multiple gunmen are believed to be involved.
“Rest assured, we are going to do everything we possibly can to uncover, identify, and hunt down whoever was responsible for preying on our people,” Fitzgerald told reporters. The police have reached out to the FBI and ATF for assistance in the investigation.
Mass shooting rocks Five Points South
Streets have been blocked off in the area as the investigation continues. Witnesses said some of the gunfire sounded like it came from a high-powered weapon. Detectives are working to determine whether it was a drive-by shooting or if the shooters were on foot.
“These mass shootings have more to do with culture than criminality,” Officer Fitzgerald commented. “Mayor Randall Woodfin said it best this week – we’re seeing far too many arguments being settled by bullets.”
Birmingham’s homicide total in 2023 dropped by 6.25%, the first decrease in five years after steady increases. The city ended 2023 with 135 homicides, down from 144 in 2022.
The all-time record for homicides in Birmingham was in 1933 with 148 slayings. Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact Birmingham Police at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 to remain anonymous. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
