In the wake of Saturday's mass shooting in Birmingham's Five Points South, Gov. Kay Ivey said she would be willing to implement a joint law enforcement program to combat violence in the city like the one already showing success in Montgomery, which has faced similar spikes in violent crime.
Police have yet to announce any suspects or what weapons were used in the shooting. However, Democratic leaders were quick to blame the so-called Glock switches, which are devices used to convert semi-automatic handguns into automatic ones.
Statements made by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and others lacked any mention of the ongoing issue police have with gangs in the area. Woodfin was quick to point to gang activity after a particularly deadly weekend in 2022. However, this time, he focused on switches and the state's permitless carry laws, parroting Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.
After months of intense violence in the capital city, Reed repeatedly blamed state lawmakers for adding Alabama to the growing list of states that removed the requirement for lawful citizens to purchase a permit to carry a weapon.
Reed's complaining did not stop state law enforcement from imposing the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS), a new task force designed to crack down on Montgomery's rampant crime.
Reed told WSFA that MACS came from him contacting ALEA and other law enforcement agencies. However, Attorney General Steve Marshall rebuffed that claim, emphatically stating that there was no such call from Reed or his office.
The MACS task force has already shown massive success in a few short months, announcing numerous drug, firearms, theft and murder arrests.
On Monday, Ivey expressed willingness to assist Birmingham in implementing a similar program to MACS
Ivey's office sent 1819 News the following response:
"[Ivey] believes the mission of the day is to, first and foremost, hold those responsible accountable for their actions. She also stated clearly that the state stands willing and ready to work with Birmingham in combatting its ongoing crime, just as we have been able to do through the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit here in our Capital City. For example, thanks to this federal, state and local partnership, law enforcement has been able to get more than a dozen firearms with machine gun conversion devices off the streets of Montgomery. The crime streak in Birmingham does not have to continue.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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