BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: A shooter entered a fire station and targeted on-duty firefighters this Wednesday morning, July 12. As per authorities, two officers got injured in the attack on Station 9, Norwood Fire Station, and were rushed to UAB hospital. At least one caller reported hearing gunshots and alarmed the authorities. Birmingham police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were at the station, at 1228 27th St North, where the firefighters reportedly suffered gunshots in the chest and legs. There is a massive police force at the scene, comprising all of the fire department’s top heads, Birmingham detectives, and SWAT officers.
The authorities investigating from various angles, including if the attack was personal in nature, or just a random attack, “That’s one of the issues we’re looking at when we say, ‘Is there a connection? What is that connection if there is one?’ We just don’t know at this point in time. Is it professional? Is it personal? Is it none of the above? We just don’t know,” Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond. He added that the general society at large is safe, “I think there could be some individuals that could have some information on this. so we would encourage them to call us.”
Was it a targeted attack?
After two firefighters suffered bullet shots this morning, the search for the suspect shooter is on. Police believe the person in question drove a silver car and pre-planned the attack. “We don’t know why it would be a targeted attack, that’s one of the things we’re trying to determine," said Birmingham Fire Chief Cory Moon.
“It’s extremely unusual for someone to come target one of our fire stations and so we’re trying to see why would someone want to target one of these fire stations in Birmingham.”
'Troubling, disheartening'
The chief emphasized that the attack has shocked many, “I find it extremely troubling that they would be targeted. I hate to say it but unfortunately, I think police would be the bigger targets. Our firefighters are there to protect and aid and rescue our citizens and to seem them critically injured is troubling, disheartening.”
“In my 25 years on the job, this is my worst day, this is awful,” said Orlando Reynolds with BFRS. Meanwhile, Senator Tommy Tuberville commented, “Awful news. Please join me in praying for these firemen in critical condition.”
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
