Seven Lives Lost in Separate Birmingham Shootings on Saturday Night
Over the weekend, Birmingham, Alabama, faced a tragic evening as seven individuals, including a young child, lost their lives, and several others were left injured in separate shooting incidents, according to authorities.
Late Saturday, just after 11 p.m., Birmingham Police Officers responded to reports of a shooting outside a nightclub. Officer Truman Fitzgerald shared details during a news conference, explaining that upon arrival, officers discovered multiple gunshot victims.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel were on the scene and declared one man, Stevie McGhee, 39, dead on the sidewalk near the nightclub. Inside the nightclub, two women, Markeisha Gettings, 42, and Angela Weatherspoon, 56, were also found deceased.
Lerandus Anderson, a 24-year-old male, succumbed to his injuries at UAB Hospital, officials confirmed. Authorities noted that the shooter fired shots from a car into the nightclub, which was hosting a birthday party. They indicated that a confrontation led to the tragic turn of events. The statement from authorities mentioned, “At least one suspect drove by in a vehicle and fired shots from the street into the nightclub.”
As for the injured victims, it was reported that ten individuals with gunshot wounds arrived at UAB Hospital, either by Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel or via private vehicles. The police have not disclosed the condition of these victims or the specifics of the suspect vehicle.
Federal law enforcement agencies are aiding the Birmingham Police Department in the ongoing investigation. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his sorrow and determination during a Sunday news conference, stating, “A lot of innocent people were shot and killed yesterday; many others were wounded.” He urged law enforcement to “hunt down the people who committed these heinous acts.”
Mayor Woodfin called on community members to share any information by contacting 205-254-7777. He emphasized, “The shooter or shooters deserve no safe harbor or haven from other community members. They don’t deserve it from their own family, friends, or strangers.”
Earlier in the Day: Triple Homicide
Before the nightclub shooting, earlier that evening, Birmingham saw another tragic event—a triple murder. According to police reports, officers responded to a call about a car accident at around 5:20 p.m. On arrival, they found a wrecked vehicle in the front yard of a house.
Inside the vehicle were three individuals— a man, a woman, and a small boy, all suffering from gunshot wounds. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived and pronounced all three victims dead. The victims were identified as Eric Ashely Jr., 28, Arkia Berry, 28, and Landon Brooks, a 5-year-old boy.
Chief of Police, Scott Thurmond, a 26-year department veteran, described it as “probably the most tragic day” in his career. He assured the public that every detective in the department would be working on these cases, vowing that those responsible would be found. “For those 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 we have, we will be coming for you,” he declared.
Mass Shootings in the U.S. in 2024
As these heartbreaking events unfolded in Birmingham, it’s important to note a wider context. According to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks such incidents, there have been at least 296 mass shootings in the United States this year. Mass shootings are defined as incidents where at least four victims are shot, excluding the shooter, regardless of fatalities.
Furthermore, based on a collaborative tracker from USA TODAY, Northeastern University, and the Associated Press, there have been 22 mass killing incidents in 2024. Mass killings involve at least four deaths, not including the suspect.
The community of Birmingham, like many others across the nation, now faces the task of healing and coming together to prevent further tragedies. Everyone is urged to stay vigilant, support one another, and work collectively towards a safer environment for all.
