**Birmingham Man Charged with Murder in Deadly Mass Shooting**

Birmingham police have apprehended a 22-year-old suspect, Damien McDaniel, in connection with three recent violent incidents, including a devastating mass shooting that shook the entertainment district on September 21. The mass shooting tragically claimed four lives and injured 17 others in the bustling Five Points South area.

McDaniel is facing numerous charges: one count of capital murder, which applies to the killing of two or more individuals, and seventeen counts of first-degree assault related to the mass shooting. The Birmingham Police Department has linked him to the deaths of Anitra Holloman, Tahj Booker, Carlos McCain, and Roderick Patterson Jr. McDaniel is currently held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond.

The incident on September 21 involved multiple shooters who drove to the lively district, exited their vehicle, and began firing into the crowd. Initially deemed a targeted "hit" by investigators, Police Chief Scott Thurmond did not disclose a motive for the attack during a recent press briefing. While authorities believe they have made a significant stride towards justice with McDaniel's arrest, the investigation remains ongoing, and it is unclear whether other suspects are involved.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed relief and determination in a statement following McDaniel's apprehension. "Today was a major step toward justice," Mayor Woodfin asserted, emphasizing the city’s commitment to bringing all responsible parties to justice.

In addition to the mass shooting case, McDaniel faces charges in relation to two other murders. He is accused of killing Diontranet Brown, 35, on September 19 at the 604 Bar and Lounge—an incident initially thought to be targeted but now believed to have caught Brown as an innocent bystander. Within 24 hours of the mass shooting, McDaniel was also linked to the fatal shooting of Jamarcus McIntyre, found dead on a sidewalk. In this case, McDaniel is charged with capital murder in the commission of a robbery and three counts of attempted murder, with three additional suspects charged alongside him.

The investigation has been bolstered by more than 300 tips from the community, which Police Chief Thurmond described as "extremely helpful." Despite a national decline in crime rates, Birmingham experienced an uptick earlier this year. According to FBI data, murder rates dropped by over 26% nationally in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. However, Birmingham reported 17 murders as of March 4, 2024, compared to 12 in the same timeframe the previous year—a stark increase of 41.7%.

This series of violent events has highlighted the urgent need to address gun violence in Birmingham, an issue the mayor has described as reaching "epidemic levels."