Alabama shooting: Four people killed at teen’s birthday party
Four people were killed and several others injured in a shooting in the US state of Alabama in connection with a birthday party.
The incident happened around 10:34 p.m. local time Saturday night near the 200 block of Broadnax Street in Dadeville, Sergeant Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said in a news conference Sunday morning. Dadeville is about two hours southeast of Birmingham.
“This incident tragically killed four people and caused a multitude of injuries,” Burkett said.
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WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mass shooting in Alabama at 16th birthday party kills four.
Burkett did not share information about what events led up to the shooting or if any suspects were in custody.
Officials also didn’t say what type of birthday celebration was associated with the shooting, but Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Raymond Porter, who also spoke at the news conference, said students will be counseled Monday.
The shooting happened at a birthday party for a 16-year-old and most of the victims are teenagers, Ben Hayes, a local pastor, told The Associated Press.
Dadeville Police Chief Jonathan Floyd described the city as “a close-knit community full of wonderful people”.
“What we’ve dealt with shouldn’t have to be endured by any community,” Floyd said. “I just ask for patience, this will be a long process.”
Burkett said the investigation into the incident is ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
“This morning I mourn with the people of Dadeville and my countrymen from Alabama. Violent crime has NO place in our state and we will be kept closely updated by law enforcement as details emerge,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement posted to Twitter on Sunday.
