Police say someone was “paid to kill a targeted victim” in a mass shooting that left 4 people dead and 17 injured

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WBRC/Gray News) – Police say four people were killed and 17 injured in a mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama.

Birmingham police say four people died in a mass shooting in Five Points South on Saturday night. Shortly after 11 p.m., police received a call about a shooting in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue, WBRC reports.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found two men and a woman lying unconscious on the sidewalk. Police say the victims died at the scene.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald says a fourth victim was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital.

Birmingham Fire Department took eight victims to hospital. Police say four of them have life-threatening injuries.

Officials said dozens of victims were taken to various hospitals across the city.

“These mass shootings have more to do with culture than crime. Mayor Randall Woodfin said it best this week… we're seeing far too many disputes being decided with guns, and I think that's exactly what our mayor just said,” Fitzgerald said.

Police believe several suspects arrived at the scene in a vehicle. The suspects exited the vehicle and fired several shots at a group of people on Magnolia Avenue before getting back in and fleeing the scene.

Investigators believe the shooting was not accidental, but rather an isolated incident in which several victims were caught in the crossfire.

Police Chief Scott Thurmond is convinced that someone was paid to kill the victim.

Police confirmed that the weapons used were fully automatic weapons. Over 100 cartridge cases were found at the crime scene.

They are also trying to find out who the target of the shooting was.

According to authorities, no one is currently in custody.

If you have any information about the case, you are asked to call 911 or BPD at 205-254-1764. If you wish to remain anonymous, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Copyright 2024 WBRC via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.