According to the Birmingham Police Department, the victims include both bystanders and those involved in the dispute. Emergency services responded quickly, with survivors being transported to nearby hospitals. Many of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, prompting officials to warn that the death toll could rise.
Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, as patrons scrambled for cover when the shots rang out. Police arrived at the scene to find multiple casualties scattered around the entrance of the bar. Forensics teams have been deployed to gather evidence, and a manhunt is underway for the suspected gunmen, who remain at large.
Law enforcement officials are calling on the public for information to aid their investigation. Although no arrests have been made, detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and conducting interviews with witnesses. The motives behind the shooting remain unclear at this stage.
This latest shooting comes amidst a rise in gun violence in Alabama. Lawmakers are facing renewed pressure to address gun control policies as communities across the state grapple with the aftermath of such tragedies. Civic leaders have emphasized the need for increased safety measures in entertainment districts like Five Points South, where incidents of violence have spiked over the past year.