BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two women are dead after being apparently ambushed outside a Birmingham emergency room as they were arriving from the scene of another shooting.
The shooting happened just after 2 a.m. outside UAB Hospital, WBRC-TV reported. Police responded, closed off the area outside the ER, and placed the hospital on lockdown.
Witnesses said a Chevrolet Tahoe had pulled up to the emergency room entrance seeking help for multiple gunshot victims,.
"Next thing I know I seen a dark blue car pull up behind it," one witness said. "Before they could get out, the guys in the blue car jumped out with long rifles and just sprayed the Tahoe up. Totally shot it up. Hit the police car. They just did it blatantly, they weren't trying to hide."
The initial shooting is believed to have taken place following an altercation at Aria Restaurant and Lounge on in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue North, the outlet reported.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmand released the following statement Monday afternoon:
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.
Police identified the two women as 24-year-old Markiezia Atkins and 33-year-old Chaveda Willis.
So far, no arrests have been made, and no additional details were immediately available.