At least four people were killed and more than 20 were wounded in a mass shooting at a teenager’s birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama, on Saturday evening.
According to a news statement, Special Agents of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) initiated a death investigation at the request of the Dadeville Police Chief at around 11:45 p.m.
The investigation is an outcome of a shooting that happened around 10:34 p.m. near the 200 Block of Broadnax Street in Dadeville, Tallapoosa County. There are already four confirmed deaths and several injuries, according to ALEA.
The Dadeville Police Department, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the 5 Circuit District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene and are currently assisting with the investigation. Since the inquiry is still ongoing, nothing further is available.
Local authorities provided scant information about the event during their first news conference, other than confirming that the shooting occurred during a birthday celebration.
This morning, their nation is once again in mourning for at least four Americans tragically killed at a teen’s birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama, as well as two others killed last night in a crowded public park in Louisville, President Biden said in a statement released on Sunday. Jill and he are praying for their families, as well as the many others who have been wounded and are fighting for their lives as a result of this weekend’s gun violence.
What has happened to this country that kids cannot attend a birthday party without fear? When parents are concerned every time their children leave the house for school, the movies, or the park, the president remarks.
Biden called gun violence against children in the United States outrageous and intolerable.
He also said that he is willing to work across the aisle “in good faith” on gun-control measures that “will save lives.”
Local officials also chimed in on the unfortunate situation.
She mourns with the people of Dadeville and her fellow Alabamans this morning: Violent crime has NO significance for state, and law enforcement is keeping them closely updated as details emerge, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, tweeted Sunday morning.
This morning, I grieve with the people of Dadeville and my fellow Alabamians. Violent crime has NO place in our state, and we are staying closely updated by law enforcement as details emerge.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) April 16, 2023
Authorities have not disclosed the precise number of survivors, but a firsthand picture showed the remains of at least six teens on the ground.
A witness at the scene told the source that the total number of casualties was more than six, involving numerous people who died at the scene. The victims were covered in white sheets, according to the witness.
After the event, numerous family members gathered outside a nearby hospital, according to a picture shared on Twitter.
The occurrence, according to Susan Foy, Chief Marketing Director of Russell Medical Centre in Alexander City, roughly 18 miles from Dadeville, was a “horrific tragedy.”
She verified that the hospital treated and discharged many people. Several patients with gunshot wounds have been moved to different hospitals in order to get better care for their individual wounds or injuries. She had no news of any deaths among the wounded treated at the medical facility. Foy will not discuss the ages or numbers of victims. With just 81 beds, the hospital is tiny and rural. It is fairly uncommon for patients to be transferred to different hospitals where additional experts are available.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, according to officials.
