BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A shooting incident in Birmingham, Alabama, claimed the lives of four individuals and left 17 others injured after multiple shooters opened fire at a popular nightlife destination. The attack, which occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday, was described by authorities as a targeted “hit” aimed at one of the victims.
The tragedy unfolded in the Five Points South area, known for its vibrant array of bars and restaurants that draw large crowds, particularly on weekends. The shooting is part of a growing concern over gun violence in the area, prompting city officials to seek urgent assistance in both investigation and prevention measures.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin stressed the need for law enforcement to apprehend the shooters. “The priority is to find these shooters and get them off our streets,” he stated during a press conference Sunday.
The gunfire erupted outside Hush, a lounge located within the entertainment district, with bloodstains evident on the sidewalk the following morning. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond indicated that the shooting likely targeted one specific individual, with a vehicle pulling up and multiple gunmen exiting to open fire before fleeing the scene.
Thurmond noted that approximately 100 shell casings were recovered from the area, with indications of possible fully automatic weapon use. Investigators are also looking into whether anyone returned fire.
Among the deceased, two men and a woman were discovered on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds, while another male victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. By Sunday morning, authorities confirmed 17 injured individuals, with several in critical condition. Four of the survivors were being treated at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying. Gabriel Eslami, 24, recalled waiting in line to enter the club when the gunshots rang out, prompting a swift escape as he later discovered he had been shot in the leg. Another witness, Geoffrey Boshell, reported hearing rapid fire and observing people fleeing in panic.
The shooting marks the 31st mass killing in the U.S. for 2024, with Birmingham experiencing three of the year’s 23 mass shootings, including two incidents involving four fatalities.
Mayor Woodfin expressed frustration over the ongoing issue of gun violence, labeling it an epidemic and urging for more resources to combat this issue. He raised concerns about the prevalence of high-capacity firearms in the city, calling for responsibility among elected officials to address the crisis effectively.
This report has been updated to reflect the correct number of injuries, which was amended from 18 to 17, as per police information.