A shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 18 others injured, as reported by police on Sunday. Some of the injured individuals are facing life-threatening injuries, according to Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald, who spoke at a news conference following the incident that took place in a popular entertainment district of the city.
Authorities believe that multiple suspects opened fire on a large crowd gathered near Magnolia Avenue in the Five Points South area just after 11 p.m. CST. Upon arrival, officers discovered two men and one woman unresponsive on a sidewalk, each suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. A fourth victim, another man, later died at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
Police are treating the shooting as a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. In a statement, authorities indicated they suspect the incident resulted from an isolated altercation where several victims were caught in the crossfire. Investigators are working to identify the intended targets of the shooting.
As of early Sunday morning, no suspects were in custody. Fitzgerald assured the public that law enforcement is committed to tracking down those responsible for the attack. The Birmingham Police Department is collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in their investigation. They are encouraging anyone with information to reach out to the homicide division or to report tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers, which may offer rewards of up to $5,000 for useful information.
The Five Points South area, home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is known for its vibrant nightlife, attracting large crowds to its numerous restaurants, bars, and live music venues, especially on weekends.