Four dead and dozens injured in mass shooting in Birmingham on Saturday evening

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — At least four people were killed and dozens more shot in a mass shooting in Birmingham on Saturday night.

Investigators say calls about the shooting began coming into 911 around 11 p.m. Saturday from the Five Points South area. This part of Birmingham is known for its entertainment venues, restaurants and bars and is often crowded on Saturday nights.

When officers arrived, they found three people dead at the scene, two men and a woman. A fourth victim later died in hospital.

Investigators said dozens more were shot, with at least four suffering life-threatening injuries. Many of the victims were in the area when officers arrived, while others were taken to nearby hospitals in private vehicles.

Investigators say initial details point to multiple shooters. They believe the shooters fired multiple shots at a group of people outside on the sidewalk or in the street. There is no indication the shots were fired inside a store. It is unclear if the shooters were on foot or if it was a drive-by shooting. Investigators are looking into whether a “switch” was used in the shooting. A switch is a device that allows a gun to be used as an automatic weapon.

Birmingham police have asked the FBI and ATF for assistance in the investigation and are also asking the public to come forward if they have any information about those responsible for the shooting.

“There is no greater resource than the public,” said Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald. “We will do everything we can to make sure that we track down, identify and bring to justice whoever is responsible for the attacks on our people this morning.” Fitzgerald continued, “These mass shootings have more to do with culture than crime.”

Dajon Singleton was driving to the area when he saw the emergency response following the mass shooting. Although he didn't see when shots were fired, he saw the chaos that followed shortly afterward.

“I saw about five or six being carried out on a stretcher. I'm sure there were probably more. Very devastating and sad,” he said.

Singleton remembers the large crowd in the area. Some were running, others were screaming.

“The cry of a mourner, as if I knew someone was hurt or had died. That kind of cry. I knew immediately that someone had lost a loved one.”

He often comes to the Five Points South area on weekends. He said he has never seen anything like this here, but one can never be too cautious.

“Things just happen. You just have to keep a clear head and pay attention to your surroundings.”

Fitzgerald says there are many cameras installed in the area where the shooting occurred. They are asking all surrounding businesses to contribute surveillance video of the shooting.