A mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama's popular Five Points South entertainment district has left four people dead and at least 17 others wounded, prompting a strong condemnation from the White House.
As reported by Fox News, the incident, which occurred on Saturday night, is believed to be a targeted "hit," according to local law enforcement.
The White House quickly responded to the tragedy, with Gun Violence Prevention Director Stef Feldman issuing a statement expressing horror at the devastation wrought upon another American community. President Biden and Vice President Harris extended their prayers to the affected families. At the same time, federal authorities have been directed to coordinate with state and local officials as investigations into the shooting continue.
The shooting unfolded shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue near the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Police responding to reports of gunfire discovered a chaotic scene with multiple victims. Three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.
Authorities have identified three of the four victims killed in the attack. Anitra Holloman, 21, of Bessemer, Alabama; Tahj Booker, 27, of Birmingham, Alabama; and Carlos McCain, 27, also of Birmingham, Alabama, all died at the scene. The fourth victim, an adult male, passed away at the hospital and is pending identification.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond provided insight into the nature of the attack, suggesting that it was not a random act of violence. Instead, investigators believe the shooting was a premeditated "hit," with at least one of the deceased victims being the intended target.
Law enforcement officials are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident. Chief Thurmond revealed that the weapons used in the attack were fully automatic, with over 100 shell casings recovered from the scene. This evidence, along with other physical clues, has led investigators to conclude that multiple shooters were involved.
The police are now focused on determining the specific target of the attack and are reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Mayor Randall Woodfin emphasized the community's responsibility in assisting the investigation, stating:
I will say this, we, all of us as a community, owe it to the victims to do everything we can to take these shooters, killers, off our streets.
As of Sunday morning, no suspects were in custody, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to arrests.
The White House's swift condemnation of the shooting placed the incident within the broader context of gun violence in America. Stef Feldman, speaking on behalf of the administration, stated:
Last night, several people were killed and many more wounded in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. And once again, our entire nation is watching in horror as another community is devastated by the national epidemic of gun violence.
Feldman went on to note that there have been over 400 mass shootings in the United States this year alone, emphasizing the administration's stance that such violence should not be normalized.
The White House's response also highlighted the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to address gun violence, with Feldman reiterating President Biden's often-repeated phrase, "Enough is enough." This statement underscores the administration's commitment to pursuing measures aimed at reducing gun violence across the nation.
The mass shooting in Birmingham has left a community reeling and reignited national debates on gun violence. With four dead and 17 wounded, local law enforcement is pursuing leads in what they believe was a targeted attack. The White House has condemned the violence and pledged support for the ongoing investigation while emphasizing the need for broader action to address gun violence in America.
