Mayor, police call for 'swift justice' in targeted Birmingham shootings that left 7 dead, 10 injured
Updated: 7:57 AM CDT Jul 15, 2024
So good afternoon. My name is Scott Thurman, the service chief of police for the Birmingham Police Department. Before we get started, I'd like to introduce some of our guests with us today. I have Jefferson County Sheriff, Mark Petway and Jeremy Sheer with the US Attorney's Office. Will mccombs with the US Attorney's office, Jonathan PERL chief uh US marshal us marshal service. We have Patrick Davis, special agent in charge, secret service have Carlton peoples special agent in charge FBI. We have Tyler Cunningham, assistant special agent in charge *** TF the honorable mayor Randall Woodfin. We have the honorable counselor, LaTonya Tate. We have Deputy chief Rodari Malden and deputy chief Henri Pruitt. We also have some members of our community partners who will lead our hospital linked violence intervention team. And so we call this meeting today to speak to you all about the gun violence that has devastated our city in the last 24 hours. The last 24 hours, we lost seven community members and 10 others were injured by gun violence. This is terribly unacceptable and we have partnered with all of these men and women here today to combat this issue to combat what has occurred in the last 24 hours. And to let everyone know this is unacceptable and that we will not tolerate this behavior any longer in our city. There are too many families who have been devastated and destroyed because of gun violence in our city. And everyone in this room to be frank is just sick and tired of it and it has to stop today and we are partnering with everyone else who is here today. But there's one piece that we need, we need the community to assist us in bringing justice to these families, restoring safety to our city and our communities. So we've got *** strategy and our strategy is we've deployed all of our detectives in the Birmingham Police Department to focus on these two parti particular cases to bring justice and for those who are responsible for those uh heinous crimes. I want you to know that we will be coming for you with full force with every piece of law enforcement that we have. We will be coming for you and to our community members. I just want you to know and understand that we hear you, we're with you and we're doing everything we can to bring justice to these families and to restore safety and peace to our communities. And we will not stop until that is achieved. I'd also like to thank thank *** number of other people who have, who have helped us in the last 24 hours, the Birmingham fire rescue personnel who have worked tirelessly in, in trying to combat uh and save these individuals who are injured. The UAB hospital staff and other hospitals. I know Princeton Hospital was involved. Jefferson County Coroner's Office. These incidents not only affect our community, but they also affect our Birmingham Police Department family. Our men and women have worked very hard in the last 24 hours dealing with um these situations and you have *** large shooting scale, uh like we did in the last 24 hours, both these incidents, it's very tasking. And so those men and women see that *** lot and they have to work through that, but they continue to work hard and serve our community and they will continue to do that and I'll defer to Mayor Randa Woodman see if he has any comments. Uh Thank you, Chief. Just *** few. Um One, let me express my sincere appreciation for all the partners you see standing here. Um It is *** Sunday. I can tell you that none of the men and women you see standing here want to be here. Uh But we all either took an oath of all sworn and committed to making our community safer. And so again, I express my sincere appreciation for them taking time out of their Sundays to be here and stand in solidarity for something that is not only heinous against our community, but how in partnership, we are going to tackle and solve this issue. And so *** lot of innocent people were shot and killed yesterday, many others were wounded. The Birmingham Police Department as it has been stated, along with our federal partners have one priority. They have one priority right now. And that is simply to hunt down the people who committed these heinous acts in two separate incidents. Um, it has been stated, um, but it is worth repeating, um, that these victims as well as their family members who will left to pick up the pieces deserve swift justice, swift justice, the shooters and, and I would say the shooter or the shooters deserve no safe harbor or haven um, from other community members. They don't deserve it from their own family, their friends or strangers. No one should provide safe haven harbor to the people who committed these acts. Yeah, I think it's also worth mentioning that BP D's investigation as well as with our partners is better off with credible information that comes from the community. And so I want to make *** public plea to those listening to this press conference. There is *** number you can call 205 2547777. That this is *** number to crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers has *** process by whatever information you share, it does not have to include your name, your address or your phone number, you will be protected and you can remain anonymous. But let me define how swift justice works. We can we, the BPD, the federal partners and other community partners can move at *** very high speed to solve for these cases and bring justice to these families. But it moves faster with community buy in and community support. So again, I make *** public plea that I, we know someone knows something or saw something. So come forward, give credible information so we can take these shooters off our streets and continue to protect our community with that. And I pass it back to the Birmingham Police Department. One very important fact I neglected to mention earlier was that these both these shootings were targeted. These were not random shootings and I didn't make that very clear to everyone here and everyone who's listening, these were not random shootings. Both of these incidents were targeted. So that should make it easier for information to become available to the Birmingham Police Department to bring resolve to our community to these families. We know 100% there are people who know who's responsible and they know what happened and we need that information so we can bring justice to these families and restore safety to our community and to our city. And questions can you tell us, did you know that they were both targeted? Uh what the motive was in each of the two? I'm really not focused on motive today. I'm focused on the mission of solving both of these crimes and that's the important part. And I think that's what we need to focus on today and that's what this team and I have discussed prior to this is solving these cases and restoring safety to our city. That that's the number one priority. Uh We, we do know. Yes, they were targeted. I can tell you that without getting the in intricacies of both cases, let's just focus on solving these cases and getting some justice for these families. That's the most important part here today, you talk about people, right. I'm not going to get into all that today. That's not the focus of this press conference. The post, it was *** focus of this preference conference is all these men and women who are involved in law enforcement, no matter what agency or *** level of government they work for, have committed to solving these crimes and that's our mission and that's, that's what we're going to proceed forward with. Do you have this level of support for every? Yes, if we are, we have, we have officers assigned with all of these agencies as task force officers. So they're always *** phone call away. I called them two hours ago on *** Sunday and they were able to get dressed and get here and said I'll be there. What time do you need me? So, just to show the level of support that we have if they're busy and they really didn't care. They wouldn't be here. Yes. Can you go into detail about what type of support they'll be supplying the city as well? I'll tell you this. It's what do you need? It's what do you need? We're willing to assist you in any way, shape, form or possible with whatever you need. And your officers, your detectives need to get this to make this happen. Is that manpower, financial resource, whatever we need And they've done it before they continue to assist us da daily. They're here again showing their support that they're here and part of our community, they want the same thing that we all want, which is *** safer Birmingham. Yes, ma'am. The club where the shooting happened last night. Is that ***, um, official club? Is that just *** gathering place? So it appears to be an event center that was rented out for ***, for *** party is what it was and these two incidents were unrelated to each other. There's no, there's no connection that we have at this point in time. I say it was targeted. But for those 10 individuals that were there were, they just caught in the crossfire where they ran the people. Well, that's one thing we gotta look at. We don't, who was the target or who were the targets. So that's, that's part of the investigation that we will uncover moving forward um to help solve those cases. And are you getting cooper from the other folks who were there at that event, we are getting some crime stopper tips, but as the mayor said, we always need more. Um, I think BPD, this, there's been three instances that come to mind this year where BPD had pretty critical cases. Information came in quickly. We were with our federal partners and other local law enforcement partners. We would make quick arrests. We can do the same thing in these cases too if we just get the information that we need and we've shown that we're willing to work swiftly around the clock. If we just get that community engagement, that community information. Can you tell us the relationship between the three people including the five year old killed in the car? What the relationship was, uh the child and the, the female was mother son and then the male we believe was possibly *** boyfriend. Um are of, of the and we were talking about this earlier to confirm, we had *** total of, well, we had four people killed at the club and then it went up to 10. So we have three that were shot near Echo Hollands Park that were killed. I I'll get to that. We had four that were killed outside the, at the Event Center and 10 that were injured by gunfire at the Event Center. So we had seven that were murdered yesterday and 10, they were injured by gunfire at the Event Center. So *** 14 total shot were deceased, is that correct? Ok. Were there any other shootings last night? I believe there, there was, there was another one outside another, uh, area nightclub. Yes, that Playhouse, yes. Down on Second Avenue. Do you know if that was life threatening or not? It's not? Ok. And then of the 10 victims from North Birmingham, were, they, did they all show up at the hospital? Some were transported by Birmingham fire and rescue. So that's what you know, when you have that many people injured in anything, whether it's *** car accident or something like this, it's very tasking on your emergency services from your 911 call takers to your dispatchers, Birmingham Birmingham fire and rescue personnel, Birmingham Police Department or in local hospitals for them to get prepared to accept that many patients. That's not something we normally see. So it's very tasking on all levels of emergency response. What would you say to families? Because one of these was ***, was, it seems to be *** family was at the park, would you say the families now might be worried about taking their Children out to, to public parks or going out and, and worrying about gun violence? Well, there again, I think it goes back to the targeted piece and if you know, was this just someone randomly showing up and shooting people at the park? So no. So if that's if that's not the case, can you elaborate on why that shooting was targeted, that's part of the investigation. So that would, that would hinder our investigation at this point in time. So, do you believe that in the Echo Holland's shooting, that they knew each other, the shooter and the victim? It wasn't just an argument between people who didn't know each other in the escalator. Ok. We've heard in several of these press conferences over the recent history from you and the mayor as well, that the, these things are unacceptable yet they keep on happening. And I know uh time and time again, you've told us all the assets you have to put forward on these and it sounds like you're doing all of that. Is there anything beyond that, that, that you can do time after time? I think the challenge is, is how does *** law enforcement agency or *** city government change the behavior of its citizens of, of adults? And I think that's the underlying question. How do, how does, how does *** law enforcement agency or *** government? Which I don't really think that's what the people want today in 2024. How do you get them to change the behavior of people who can't resolve conflict, who use *** firearm to resolve all their issues? That's difficult, that's very difficult. And so that, that's the underlying issue here, I'm not gonna go into that any further admission is to solve these cases and we'll just kind of leave that at that you had *** question, sir. Yes, sir. Um, we're hearing about *** vehicle found on fire on Tarrant Hoffman Road. Is there any reason to believe that that might be connected to either of these? I don't have any information on that at this point in time. Last two questions is the 14 shot at the club last night. Is that the largest number of people Birmingham has ever had shot in one incident. I don't know. I mean, I, I can tell you from my almost 26 years having seven murdered in *** day and 10 injured. I think that's probably the highest that we've ever had *** day. That's probably the most tragic day in my time, uh, with the Birmingham Police Department. All right. Thank you, everyone.
Mayor, police call for 'swift justice' in targeted Birmingham shootings that left 7 dead, 10 injured
Updated: 7:57 AM CDT Jul 15, 2024
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond and Mayor Randall Woodfin held a Sunday afternoon press conference to address the investigations of two 'targeted' shootings that left seven people dead and ten injured Saturday night."These shootings were targeted," said Thurmond. "These were not random shootings."Thurmond and Woodfin were joined by members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshal Service, Secret Service, FBI and several community partners.>> 米兰体育 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free"We have partnered with all of these men and women here today to combat this issue, to combat what has occurred in the last 24 hours and to let everyone know this is unacceptable and we will not tolerate this behavior any longer in our city," said Thurmond."There are too many families who have been devastated and destroyed because of gun violence in our city," he continued. "And everyone in this room, to be frank, is just sick and tired of it.""For those who are responsible for those heinous crimes, I want you to know that we will be coming for you with full force, with every piece of law enforcement that we have."Mayor Woodfin called for 'swift justice' during the press conference, pleading with the public to offer assistance.>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube "They have one priority right now, and that is simply to hunt down the people who committed these heinous acts in two separate incidents," said Woodfin. "It has been stated, but is worth repeating, that these victims, as well as their family members, (who) will have to pick up the pieces, deserve swift justice, swift justice." "I would say the shooter or the shooters deserve no safe harbor or haven from other community members," he continued. "They don't deserve it from their own families, their friends or strangers. No one should provide a safe haven or harbor to the people who committed these acts.Here's what we know so far about both shootings:First ShootingAround 5:20 p.m., police responded to a call about a car accident in the 1700 block of Indian Summer Drive, according to the Birmingham Police Department. That's just off Pinson Valley Parkway, near the entrance of Echo Highlands Park.Upon arrival, officers found a wrecked vehicle in the front yard of a home. Inside they found the bodies of three people:Landyn Brooks, 5, of Center PointArkia Berry, 28, of Center PointEric Ashley Jr, 28, Hoover Police say that Brooks was Berry's son and that Ashley may have been her boyfriend. No one is in custody at this time.Second ShootingJust after 11 p.m., officers responded to reports of multiple people shot at what officers originally described as a night club, now referred to as an event center, in the 3400 Block of 27th Street North, according to the Birmingham Police Department.Officers arriving at the scene immediately observed the body of Stevie McGhee, a 39-year-old Birmingham man, on the sidewalk outside of the club.Inside, officers found multiple gunshot victims, two of whom were pronounced dead at the scene:Markeisha Gettings, 39, of BirminghamAngela Weatherspoon, 56, of Center PointPolice say 11 additional victims arrived at UAB Hospital throughout the evening, one of whom died from his injuries:Lerandus Anderson, 24, of Center PointThe conditions of the other ten victims range from stable to critical.So far, police believe that a birthday party was being held inside when an altercation occurred, after which someone drove by outside and opened fire into the club.While police say the shooting was targeted, they have not confirmed which of the victims were the intended targets. No one is in custody at this time.On Sunday morning, Birmingham Police released the following statement in regards to both shootings:"The Birmingham Police Department stands with our community in this time of grief and loss as we have witnessed senseless acts of violence in the City of Birmingham. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected."In the face of such tragedy, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure justice for the victims. We are working tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice. The Birmingham Police Department is dedicated to protecting our community and restoring a sense of safety and security."Your support and cooperation are essential in our efforts to create a safer Birmingham. If you have any information that can assist in our investigations, please come forward.Together, we will make a difference."Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin issued another statement via social media:"A lot of innocent people were shot and killed yesterday. Many others wounded."The Birmingham Police Department and our federal partners have one priority right now: hunt these @#$% down who committed these heinous acts. We need swift justice for the victims and their families."The shooter/shooters deserve no safe harbor from their own family, friends, or strangers. Do not protect them. "BPD's investigation is better off with credible information from the community that will lead to their capture and arrest. "There is always someone who knows something. Pick up the phone now and make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777."This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the 米兰体育 13 app. You can download ithere.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond and Mayor Randall Woodfin held a Sunday afternoon press conference to address the investigations of two 'targeted' shootings that left seven people dead and ten injured Saturday night.
"These shootings were targeted," said Thurmond. "These were not random shootings."
Thurmond and Woodfin were joined by members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshal Service, Secret Service, FBI and several community partners.
>> 米兰体育 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free
"We have partnered with all of these men and women here today to combat this issue, to combat what has occurred in the last 24 hours and to let everyone know this is unacceptable and we will not tolerate this behavior any longer in our city," said Thurmond.
"There are too many families who have been devastated and destroyed because of gun violence in our city," he continued. "And everyone in this room, to be frank, is just sick and tired of it."
"For those who are responsible for those heinous crimes, I want you to know that we will be coming for you with full force, with every piece of law enforcement that we have."
Mayor Woodfin called for 'swift justice' during the press conference, pleading with the public to offer assistance.
>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: | | |
"They [police] have one priority right now, and that is simply to hunt down the people who committed these heinous acts in two separate incidents," said Woodfin. "It has been stated, but is worth repeating, that these victims, as well as their family members, (who) will have to pick up the pieces, deserve swift justice, swift justice."
"I would say the shooter or the shooters deserve no safe harbor or haven from other community members," he continued. "They don't deserve it from their own families, their friends or strangers. No one should provide a safe haven or harbor to the people who committed these acts.
Here's what we know so far about both shootings:
Around 5:20 p.m., police responded to a call about a car accident in the 1700 block of Indian Summer Drive, according to the Birmingham Police Department. That's just off Pinson Valley Parkway, near the entrance of Echo Highlands Park.
Upon arrival, officers found a wrecked vehicle in the front yard of a home. Inside they found the bodies of three people:
- Landyn Brooks, 5, of Center Point
- Arkia Berry, 28, of Center Point
- Eric Ashley Jr, 28, Hoover
Police say that Brooks was Berry's son and that Ashley may have been her boyfriend. No one is in custody at this time.
Just after 11 p.m., officers responded to reports of multiple people shot at what officers originally described as a night club, now referred to as an event center, in the 3400 Block of 27th Street North, according to the Birmingham Police Department.
Officers arriving at the scene immediately observed the body of Stevie McGhee, a 39-year-old Birmingham man, on the sidewalk outside of the club.
Inside, officers found multiple gunshot victims, two of whom were pronounced dead at the scene:
- Markeisha Gettings, 39, of Birmingham
- Angela Weatherspoon, 56, of Center Point
Police say 11 additional victims arrived at UAB Hospital throughout the evening, one of whom died from his injuries:
- Lerandus Anderson, 24, of Center Point
The conditions of the other ten victims range from stable to critical.
So far, police believe that a birthday party was being held inside when an altercation occurred, after which someone drove by outside and opened fire into the club.
While police say the shooting was targeted, they have not confirmed which of the victims were the intended targets. No one is in custody at this time.
On Sunday morning, Birmingham Police released the following statement in regards to both shootings:
"The Birmingham Police Department stands with our community in this time of grief and loss as we have witnessed senseless acts of violence in the City of Birmingham. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected.
"In the face of such tragedy, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure justice for the victims. We are working tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice. The Birmingham Police Department is dedicated to protecting our community and restoring a sense of safety and security.
"Your support and cooperation are essential in our efforts to create a safer Birmingham. If you have any information that can assist in our investigations, please come forward.
Together, we will make a difference."
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin issued another statement via social media:
"A lot of innocent people were shot and killed yesterday. Many others wounded.
"The Birmingham Police Department and our federal partners have one priority right now: hunt these @#$% down who committed these heinous acts. We need swift justice for the victims and their families.
"The shooter/shooters deserve no safe harbor from their own family, friends, or strangers. Do not protect them.
"BPD's investigation is better off with credible information from the community that will lead to their capture and arrest.
"There is always someone who knows something. Pick up the phone now and make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777."
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the 米兰体育 13 app. You can download ithere.