Birmingham, AL – A devastating shooting late Saturday night in Birmingham’s bustling Five Points South entertainment district has left four people dead and 18 others injured. The Birmingham Police Department reported that multiple shooters opened fire on a group of people near Hush, a popular hookah and cigar lounge on Magnolia Avenue.
According to police, the incident occurred just after 11 p.m., with a barrage of gunfire aimed at a crowd in the open. Authorities are investigating the possibility that the attack was not random, but rather a targeted incident, though the intended target remains unidentified.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered two men and a woman unresponsive, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. A fourth victim later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The remaining 18 victims sustained injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, with at least four reported to be in critical condition.
Witnesses Describe Chaos and Fear
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with victims scattered along the sidewalk and street as gunfire erupted. Local resident Dajon Singleton, who was in the area during the attack, said, “I walked up when it was just ending, because everybody was screaming, there were people crying. It was very scary.”
Emergency services responded quickly, transporting at least 10 of the wounded to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, which confirmed it is treating multiple victims. Authorities continue to investigate whether the shooters approached the victims on foot or from a vehicle.
Glock Switches Suspected in the Shooting
Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald noted that investigators believe the shooters used Glock switches—a device that converts semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons. These devices have been the subject of a recent federal crackdown in Birmingham due to the rising violence linked to them.
Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward. In particular, they have asked nearby businesses to provide surveillance footage and encouraged members of the public to contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 with any leads.
Community and Authorities Urge Public Cooperation
As the city grapples with the shock of this latest violence, Birmingham police are calling for public cooperation in their investigation. “We need the community’s help,” said Officer Fitzgerald, emphasizing the importance of any information that could lead to the identification and capture of those responsible.
Birmingham’s Five Points South district, known for its vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene, was rocked by this tragic event, leaving the community reeling as they await further developments in the investigation.
Source: WVTM13
