LIVE UPDATES | WHAT WE KNOW | THE VICTIMS | THE SCENE | FLOWERS | HUSH LOUNGE STATEMENTPolice believe Glock switches were used in a mass shooting that happened Saturday in downtown Birmingham. At least four people were killed and 17 others were shot, according to police.>> THE LATEST: Police investigate mass shooting in BirminghamSo what are Glock switches? These devices are easily concealable, measuring at only about an inch long, and can be made of metal or plastic, meaning they could be created at home using a 3D printer.When attached to the back of a Glock, the user is given the ability to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic. The National Firearms Act classifies the switch itself as a machine gun. Operation 'Flip the Switch' Since July, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the ATF joined Birmingham's police chief and mayor to announce "Operation Flip the Switch."The program is focusing on getting machine gun conversion devices like auto sears, also known as Glock switches, off the streets. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Arrests for Glock switch operation鈥淢achine gun conversion devices have no place in our community," said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. "Though small in size, a switch is deadly, and a lot of innocent people can be injured with one pull of the trigger. People should feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and public spaces. That is why we will use every tool in our toolbox to aggressively prosecute those who possess such deadly devices.鈥漁peration Flip the Switch is set to focus on three areas: prioritizing the prosecutions, partnering with and training state and local law enforcement and increasing public awareness so that citizens know what they look like and how they operate in order to report one.Crime Stoppers is offering cash rewards for information that leads to the arrest of those that either possess a Glock switch or a 3D printer being used to create them. Recent homicidesBoth Mayor Randall Woodfin and Chief Scott Thurmond noted a similar device was used in July homicides over the weekend in Birmingham. >> 7 DEAD, 10 INJURED: Mayor and police call for swift justice in July mass shooting"They don't care about everyday citizens residents," Woodfin said. "They don't care about children, seniors, elders. We got to take those people off the streets. They're riding around with these Glock switches, and their intent is to inflict massive amounts of casualties and carnage as they can.""Where we used to see a dozen or less shell casings on the scene, we're seeing 75 to 100 or even more than 100 on a crime scene, because, as you'll see after, shortly how quickly these rounds are fired from these weapons," Thurmond said. "There's a lot of damage that can be done very quickly because of these weapons. As the ATF just said, there's no place for these things in our city or in our state or our country." Police are asking anyone with information to submit evidence to the Birmingham Police Department's evidence submission portal. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tips can be sent to the FBI by calling 1-800-225-5324 or here. There is a combined $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — LIVE UPDATES | WHAT WE KNOW | THE VICTIMS | THE SCENE | FLOWERS | HUSH LOUNGE STATEMENT
Police believe Glock switches were used in a mass shooting that happened Saturday in downtown Birmingham. At least four people were killed and 17 others were shot, according to police.
>> THE LATEST: Police investigate mass shooting in Birmingham
So what are Glock switches?
These devices are easily concealable, measuring at only about an inch long, and can be made of metal or plastic, meaning they could be created at home using a 3D printer.
When attached to the back of a Glock, the user is given the ability to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic. The National Firearms Act the switch itself as a machine gun.
Operation 'Flip the Switch'
Since July, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the ATF joined Birmingham's police chief and mayor to announce "Operation Flip the Switch."
The program is focusing on getting machine gun conversion devices like auto sears, also known as Glock switches, off the streets.
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Arrests for Glock switch operation
鈥淢achine gun conversion devices have no place in our community," said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. "Though small in size, a switch is deadly, and a lot of innocent people can be injured with one pull of the trigger. People should feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and public spaces. That is why we will use every tool in our toolbox to aggressively prosecute those who possess such deadly devices.鈥�
Operation Flip the Switch is set to focus on three areas: prioritizing the prosecutions, partnering with and training state and local law enforcement and increasing public awareness so that citizens know what they look like and how they operate in order to report one.
Crime Stoppers is offering cash rewards for information that leads to the arrest of those that either possess a Glock switch or a 3D printer being used to create them.
Recent homicides
Both Mayor Randall Woodfin and Chief Scott Thurmond noted a similar device was used in July homicides over the weekend in Birmingham.
>> 7 DEAD, 10 INJURED: Mayor and police call for swift justice in July mass shooting
"They don't care about everyday citizens residents," Woodfin said. "They don't care about children, seniors, elders. We got to take those people off the streets. They're riding around with these Glock switches, and their intent is to inflict massive amounts of casualties and carnage as they can."
This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
"Where we used to see a dozen or less shell casings on the scene, we're seeing 75 to 100 or even more than 100 on a crime scene, because, as you'll see after, shortly how quickly these rounds are fired from these weapons," Thurmond said. "There's a lot of damage that can be done very quickly because of these weapons. As the ATF just said, there's no place for these things in our city or in our state or our country."
Police are asking anyone with information to submit evidence to the Birmingham Police Department's. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tips can be sent to the FBI by calling 1-800-225-5324 or . There is a combined $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.