A shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, has left at least four people dead and 18 others injured, according to police reports. Drew Hawkins from the Gulf States Newsroom arrived at the scene shortly after the incident occurred.
Hawkins described a chaotic scene outside a popular nightlife area known for its restaurants and bars, where the shooting took place near a hookah lounge. Witnesses were seen running and screaming, and Hawkins reported multiple bodies on the ground alongside wrecked vehicles and blood on the sidewalk. He recounted a heartbreaking moment where a man recognized his sister among the victims and cried out in grief.
Birmingham police believe the shooting was not random and resulted from an isolated incident that caught several victims in the crossfire. During a press conference, Officer Truman Fitzgerald informed the public that police were dealing with numerous gunshot victims, with at least four reported to be in critical condition.
Investigation efforts are just beginning, and the police are collaborating with the FBI. Authorities are looking into whether automatic weapons or modified handguns were used in the shooting, as witnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire resembling a machine gun. Police are requesting businesses in the area to provide surveillance footage and are appealing to residents for any tips as they work to piece together the events of that night.