BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Two people are dead and three others injured following a shooting in downtown Birmingham Monday morning.
According to the Birmingham Police Department, the shooting happened in the 900 block of 5th Avenue North. Officers were dispatched to UAB Hospital at approximately 2:35 a.m. on reports of multiple people shot. They arrived and learned two women and a man arrived via a private vehicle with gunshot injuries.
The women were later identified by BPD as Markiezia Atkins, 24, of Centerpoint and Chaveda Willis, 33, of Birmingham. They were both pronounced dead by UAB staff. The male victim received life-threatening injuries.
According to a press release from BPD, officers learned that at least two suspects shot at the victims while they were at UAB Hospital. An emergency room door and a UAB police patrol vehicle were shot and damaged during the encounter, which led to a lockdown that has since been lifted.
Officers also learned that two additional women were also transported to UAB Hospital by a private vehicle. They were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation suggests that all five victims were in the 900 block of 5th Avenue North near a lounge when shots were fired. BPD believes the shooting stemmed from a targeted attack, however many of the victims appear to have been bystanders.
No suspects have been identified or arrested yet. This case is currently under investigation by BPD. Anyone who has information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 and receive a cash reward of up to $5,000.
Chief Scott Thurmond released the following statement regarding the investigation:
On Monday, September 4, 2023, at approximately 2:37 a.m., Birmingham Police Officers were called to Aria Lounge and Restaurant, 930 5th Avenue North, and UAB Emergency Room on several individuals shot. Also, once several of the victims arrived at UAB Hospital by private vehicle they were fired upon again as they attempted to seek treatment. The UAB Hospital Emergency Room as well as an unoccupied UAB Police Vehicle were struck by gunfire. Four females and one male were shot. Two females lost their lives to yet again another senseless act of violence in our city. Early indications are those who were shot were most likely innocent victims
As a result, we have two women whose lives were cut entirely too short. Two families were destroyed, and three other victims will have to live with the scars of this senseless violence for the rest of their lives. The vast majority of our citizens want a safer, better Birmingham, yet we continue to have a small group who can only resolve conflict by gunfire. Our city and its leadership will continue to work hard every day to hold those accountable for senseless acts of violence such as this morning’s incident. It is imperative for everyone to work together to prevent and eliminate future acts of violence. Put the guns down, they don’t solve problems, they only create bigger problems, and destroy families and our city. Birmingham and our residents deserve better.
Cheif Scott Thurmond, Birmingham Police
