Birmingham, Alabama — A deadly shooting in Birmingham’s vibrant Five Points South entertainment district has left the community reeling as authorities announced on Monday their ongoing hunt for “multiple suspects.” The incident, which erupted on Saturday night around 11 p.m., resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries, pushing the local police and federal agencies into a full-scale investigation spurred by an influx of tips from the public.
The violence broke out in a bustling area known for its nightlife, mere blocks from the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, where authorities said gunmen targeted at least one individual amid a larger crowd. The Birmingham Police Department indicated that the motive might have involved a murder-for-hire scheme, though the chaos also struck numerous unintended victims who were simply enjoying their evening out.
Among those killed were Anitra Holloman, 21; Tahj Booker, 27; Carlos McCain, 27; and Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., 26. The shooting also left four victims with life-threatening injuries, though some have since been discharged from the hospital. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond pointed out that some deceased had extensive criminal records, suggesting a potential backdrop of targeted violence.
The investigative team has received a significant number of tips via Crime Stoppers, which contributed to an unprecedented combined reward of $100,000 for information leading to arrests and convictions. Such collaboration underscores the gravity of the situation and the community’s urgent call for justice.
Further complicating the scenario, the weapons used in the deadly spree were believed to have been illegally modified, possibly with “Glock switches,” turning semiautomatic handguns into more deadly automatic firearms. This technical alteration likely contributed to the high number of casualties and has reignited debates over gun control measures in the state.
This heinous act marks Birmingham’s 404th mass shooting this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, placing it among the numerous violent outbreaks that have shaken the nation. It follows closely on the heels of other tragic events in the city, including a nightclub shooting that claimed four lives earlier in the year.
Mayor Randall Woodfin has expressed his profound distress over the incident, which marred what should have been a celebration — one of the victims was commemorating a birthday. He emphasized the broader emotional and societal toll these frequent outbreaks of violence take on communities, advocating for tighter control on assault weapons and a more unified response from elected officials across all levels of government.
As federal bodies like the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives join the investigation, the push to apprehend the perpetrators intensifies. The city’s response, combining substantial reward offers and a heightened law enforcement presence, reflects a desperate need for resolution and reform.
In statements to the press, Woodfin has condemned the attackers as “cowards” and vowed relentless pursuit until they are brought to justice, highlighting a resolve that mirrors the community’s demand for safety and peace in the wake of this and other similar tragedies.