Nearly two dozen people shot in Five Points South on Saturday

Ace Graham lives and owns a business called Alchemy 213 in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood. In fact, when he heard dozens of gunshots ring out just blocks away from his home Saturday, he ran over to help victims and their families.“To drive all the way here to hear about their loved ones was heartbreaking for me to watch these families outside crying and just trying to console each other,” Graham said.On Saturday, 21 total people were shot, including four fatally. AJ Patel has owned the nearby Birmingham Apothecary since 2019.While shocked by Saturday's tragedy, he believes the public should continue to feel safe coming to Five Points South. “I am here more than I am at home, usually. I close up late and open up early, and I have never felt unsafe working here. My family comes here. They've never felt unsafe. So, when this happened, it was a total shock,” Patel said.On Tuesday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin pledged more police presence in entertainment districts like Five Points South.On Friday, Chief Scott Thurmond was asked what visitors should expect.“Whether it's more officers, pulling some of our technology, whether that be some of our camera trailers — maybe a combination of the two,” Thurmond said.While both business owners are saddened by last Saturday's violence, they believe it should not define the entertainment district they've invested so much in. “I think that this should not be a stain that's put on Five Points. The image of Five Points for the character of the people in Five Points,” Graham said. “We think that Five Points is a strong, resilient community, and we'll come back faster and stronger,” Patel said.Thurmond said he is pleased with how well the investigation is moving along so far and urges the public to continue sending in tips to help solve the case.