Birmingham Police Officer Killed, Another Wounded in Downtown Shooting
A Birmingham police officer was fatally shot downtown Sunday morning and another critically wounded.
Sgt. Wytasha Carter, 44, of Birmingham died in the early morning shooting. Carter served at the Birmingham Police Department since 2011 in a number of roles, including West Precinct and as a school resource officer.
One suspect is in custody, while another suspect and the wounded officer are being treated at UAB Hospital. The officer is in critical condition.
The officers were investigating car burglaries downtown about 2 a.m., according to police Chief Patrick Smith. One officer was undercover, the other in uniform. Police approached one suspect, patted him down, and found what they believed was a weapon, Smith said in a statement to reporters early Sunday. The suspect armed himself and fired on the two officers, killing one and wounding the other.
Smith says the one suspect, 18, is in custody, while the other suspect, 31, is in the hospital. The unnamed officer is still in critical condition.
Mayor Randall Woodfin in a statement urged prayers. “As a city, we stand with the families of these officers and the Birmingham Police Department at this tragic time,” he said in a statement. “This is a time of mourning for our city, but please know our police officers will be dedicated to justice and continued service for the people of Birmingham.” Woodfin said Carter laid down his life for the city he served. “This husband and father was a true public servant and will be honored by each of us,” Woodfin said.
The shooting happened outside a downtown club on Fifth Ave. North. An investigation is under way.
Carter was a graduate of Phillips High School. He began is law enforcement career as a correctional officer in Shelby County in 2002. He served in the United States Air Force. He is survived by his wife and children.
Viral global TikToks: A twist on soccer, Tanzania’s Charlie Chaplin, hope in Gaza
TikToks are everywhere (well, except countries like Australia and India, where they've been banned.) We talk to the creators of some of the year's most popular reels from the Global South.
Memory loss: As AI gobbles up chips, prices for devices may rise
Demand for memory chips currently exceeds supply and there's very little chance of that changing any time soon. More chips for AI means less available for other products such as computers and phones and that could drive up those prices too.
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up
The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.
Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president.
Winter storm brings heavy snow and ice to busy holiday travel weekend
A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week.
