Councilor LaTonya Tate (D9), Public Safety Chair, Makes Statement on Gun Violence Following Dadeville Birthday Party Shooting

Statement from Councilor LaTonya Tate, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, on recent gun violence in Alabama

“Senseless gun violence is an issue that has broken too many families, not just in Birmingham or Alabama, but our nation as a whole. The situation that unfolded in Dadeville this past weekend is hard to even comprehend.

So far there have been few details to come out of this ongoing situation but we do know that the life of a young man who was committed to play football at Jacksonville State

University was cut short by this shooting. Three other members of the community were killed and the lives of those who witnessed this mass shooting will forever be changed.

It is my hope that law enforcement can continue their investigation and bring some form of justice for the families and friends of those who lost their lives. When you are not even safe from gun violence at a young girl’s 16th birthday party, something must change. Thoughts and prayers are no longer enough. We need action.

We have to come together as a community — one voice — and say enough is enough. My office is committed to helping establish community-driven programs and policies that can be an outlet for our young people who often feel hopeless or lost.

Today, the City of Birmingham grieves for the residents of Dadeville and offers any and all support that we can give during this difficult time.”