Police say Alabama mass shooting that left 4 dead, 21 wounded was a targeted ‘hit’

On Saturday evening, several people in Birmingham’s Five Points South entertainment district opened fire in what police are calling a targeted “hit” that left four people dead and 17 injured.

The Birmingham Police Department is currently working to identify the shooters who began shooting after 11 p.m. Officer Truman Fitzgerald shared that police were notified shortly after, and upon arriving at the scene, they discovered three “unresponsive” people who were later declared dead. A fourth victim who was injured was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, hospital staff shared.

In a press release on Sunday, police identified three of the deceased victims as Anitra Holloman, 21; Tahj Booker, 27; and Carlos McCain, 27. The fourth victim has yet to be identified.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said that at least 17 people were injured as a result of the shooting, and at least four have life-threatening injuries.

“Someone was willing to pay money to have that person killed,” Thurmond said Sunday.

The department is currently working with the FBI and other agencies in its investigation, as no suspects are currently in custody.

When it comes to what police do know, they say the shooters are believed to have been carrying out a hit on one person, and the other victims were caught in the crossfire. In a news release, the department said it is still “working to determine who was the intended target(s) of the shooting.”

Thurmond shared that more than 100 shell casings were recovered from the scene. The area of the shooting, Five Points South, is near the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus and downtown. It’s known for its nightclubs, pubs, live music venues, and restaurants.

While the city has committed to finding those responsible for the shooting, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin shared that right now, he is focused on supporting the victims and their families.

“Right now, my mind is on the families who are experiencing a sudden, giant void in their lives. The innocent people currently under medical care fighting for their lives,” Woodfin said in a statement posted to Facebook . “The children who are experiencing loss and grief far, far too soon. You will receive justice for your loss.”

Those with information on the shooting or the suspects are being urged to come forward by police.