At least four people died more than 20 others were injured after a shooting Saturday night at a birthday celebration in Alabama, WRBL-TV reports.
The gunfire erupted around 10:30 p.m. at Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio in Dadeville, where people had gathered for a “Sweet 16” birthday party. There are reports of images posted to social media showing six people on the ground along with the text “Praying for Dadeville,” according to the television station.
On Sunday morning, a large police presence was visible at the scene. Tarp was placed over a front door and white sheets were visible covering the floor at the dance studio. Crime scene tape encircled the area, WRBL-TV reports.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued the following statement, according to WRBL-TV:
At approximately 11:45 p.m. Saturday, April 15, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) launched a death investigation at the request of the Dadeville Police Chief. The investigation is a result of a shooting which occurred at approximately 10:34 p.m. near the 200 Block of Broadnax Street in Dadeville, located in Tallapoosa County. Currently, there have been four confirmed fatalities and multiple injuries. The following agencies responded to the scene and are currently assisting with the investigation: The Dadeville Police Department, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the 5 Circuit District Attorney’s Office. Nothing further is available as the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have not released any information about whether a suspect has been identified or any details on a possible motive, according to WSFA-TV.
Local hospital staff were alerted around midnight that they may be receiving an influx of patients, the Alex City Outlook reports.
A news conference was scheduled for Sunday morning.
Dadeville is located about 60 miles northeast of Montgomery.
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