A targeted hit gone awry has left four dead and 17 injured in a shocking mass shooting outside a popular Birmingham cigar lounge.

According to Daily Mail Online, gunfire erupted late Saturday night in the Five Points South entertainment district of Birmingham, Alabama. The incident occurred near Hush hookah and cigar lounge, a bustling area close to the University of Alabama campus.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond revealed that the shooting was likely a targeted attack that went wrong. "Someone was willing to pay money to have that person killed," Thurmond stated, suggesting a possible contract killing.

Multiple Gunmen Sought In Deadly Attack

Police are currently searching for multiple gunmen believed to be responsible for the massacre. The suspects reportedly drove up to the scene, exited their vehicle, opened fire, and then fled the area.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald of the Birmingham Police Department expressed the urgency of the manhunt, stating:

Rest assured, we are going to do everything we possibly can to uncover, identify and hunt down whoever was responsible for preying on our people.

Crime Stoppers has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Division directly.

Victims And Injuries From The Mass Shooting

The shooting resulted in four fatalities - two men and a woman died at the scene, while a fourth male victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

An additional 17 people suffered gunshot wounds, with injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to critical. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital is currently treating 11 of the victims.

Officer Fitzgerald provided more details on the casualties, saying, "We have dozens of gunshot victims from this area. I'm told at least four of those gunshot victims are life-threatening, the others have various injuries."

Investigation And Community Response

Local authorities have reached out to federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, for assistance in the investigation. They are also requesting that businesses in the area provide any surveillance footage that might aid in identifying the perpetrators.

The Five Points South area, known for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, has been rocked by this tragedy. Streets in the vicinity have been cordoned off as investigators continue to process the crime scene.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the shooting unfolded. Geoffrey Boshell, a 22-year-old biomedical engineering student living nearby, recounted the moment: "I heard it, looked out my window and immediately see people screaming, fleeing the scene."

The incident has left local residents shaken. Ashton Mills, a 24-year-old who lives in a nearby apartment complex, expressed her concerns: "It's scary, especially as a single woman walking around the city. I'm definitely a lot more on guard."

Concerns Over Illegal Weapon Modifications

Police believe that "Glock switches" were used in the shooting. These illegal modifications transform semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons, dramatically increasing their rate of fire and potential for destruction.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin addressed the issue, stating:

Glock switches are the number one public safety issue in our city and State. Though illegal under federal law, there is no state law that makes Glock switches illegal. Every Mayor, Police Chief, Sheriff, and District Attorney I know wants Glock switches outlawed.

The use of these modifications has led to a significant increase in the number of shell casings found at crime scenes, often exceeding 100 rounds. This development has prompted local law enforcement to partner with federal agencies in an initiative called "Operation Flip the Switch" to combat the proliferation of these dangerous devices.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Awareness of surroundings: Always be cognizant of your environment and any unusual behavior or disturbances that could escalate into violence.
2. Reporting suspicious activity: It's pivotal to report any suspicious behavior or illegal activities, such as the possession of modified firearms, to authorities immediately.
3. Advocacy for stricter gun laws: Engage in community and legislative advocacy to support laws that restrict access to firearms, especially those modified to increase firing capabilities.

Despite these precautions, it's crucial to remember that crime can occur at any time, and it's important not to blame victims who find themselves caught in such situations.

Why This Story Matters

The Birmingham cigar lounge shooting is a tragic example of how illegal modifications to firearms can transform a targeted attack into a large-scale tragedy. This incident underlines the urgent need for community awareness, prompt action in emergencies, and rigorous legislative action against the enhancement of firearms that are already exceedingly lethal by design.

Conclusion

The Birmingham cigar lounge mass shooting has left four dead and 17 injured in what police believe was a targeted hit gone wrong. Multiple gunmen are being sought as authorities conduct a massive manhunt. The incident has raised concerns about illegal weapon modifications and their impact on public safety, prompting calls for stricter legislation and increased efforts to combat their use.