From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–Mayor Randall L. Woodfin is calling on Birmingham residents to help end the cycle of violence that has led to a recent string of homicides and shootings in the city.
The mayor’s statement comes after the city has seen five homicides over the last five days.
In 2024, the city has had 71 murder investigations with eight justifiable death rulings.
“It’s important that we don’t characterize these lost lives as merely numbers and stats,” Woodfin stated.
“These are real people who were tragically taken away from grieving families–the families that are now left to pick up the broken pieces. It’s not fair to them. They deserve justice.”
According to the statement, since July 1, the homicides have resulted from an active dice game, an argument between two men who knew each other, an illegal transaction inside an apartment, and multiple feuds.
One of the homicides occurred in the front yard of a residence and was captured on video.
All of the five of the investigations are ongoing.
“Hear me Birmingham, we must learn how to walk away,” Woodfin stated.
“We need to de-escalate situations before guns are drawn. Enough with arguing over petty stuff. Stop trying to live out your TV fantasies by attempting to rob drug dealers. End the needless retaliation that creates a never-ending cycle of back and forth. Murder cannot, must not, be a solution to petty, trivial problems. As a city, we can do better.”
Woodfin went on to state that police are working day and night to keep residents safe and city leaders are tirelessly searching for solutions, but that residents must also do their part.
“Watch who you hang with. Control your behavior. Know when to walk away,” Woodfin wrote.
