Alabama law enforcement agencies say four people were killed and multiple people were injured in a shooting at a birthday party in Dadeville Saturday night.
The shooting happened at the birthday party around 10:30 p.m., Sgt. Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. It was not immediately clear what led to the firing. It was not immediately known if the suspect was in custody.
“Four lives were tragically lost and many injured in this incident,” Burkett said at a news conference Sunday morning.
3,200 shots shook the small town. A vigil was planned for Sunday night.
Dadeville Chief Jonathan L. Floyd paused to regain his composure before speaking at the news conference.
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“What we’ve dealt with is something no community should have to endure. I just ask for your patience. It’s going to be a long process, but I sincerely pray for you,” Floyd said.
Pastor Ben Hayes, who serves as chaplain for the Dadeville Police Department and the local high school football team, said most of the victims were teenagers when a 16-year-old opened fire at a birthday party. He said the shooting shook the small town where serious crime is rare.
“One of the young men that was killed was one of our star athletes and a great guy. So I knew a lot of these students. Dadeville is a small town and it’s going to affect everybody in this area,” Hayes said.
The Tallapoosa County School System said counseling will be available for students in schools Monday, schools superintendent Raymond C. Porter said.
WRBL-TV reported that the shooting happened at a dance studio. The station shows images of crime scene tape around Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio and surrounding buildings and a heavy police presence.
“This morning, I grieve with the people of Dadeville and my fellow Alabamians. Violent crime has no place in our state, and we are being closely updated by law enforcement as details emerge,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement posted. Social media.
President Joe Biden has been notified of the shooting, the White House said it is closely monitoring the situation and contacting local officials and law enforcement agencies to provide assistance.
Dadeville is located in east Alabama, about 57 miles (92 km) northeast of Montgomery, Alabama.