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.
Dozens of states sue to block the sale of 23andMe personal genetic data
States argue that biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without each person's express, informed consent.
Smithsonian board to keep institution ‘free from political or partisan influence’
The Smithsonian has issued a statement supporting Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch following President Trump's claim that he fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Drug deaths plummet among young Americans as fentanyl carnage eases
U.S. drug deaths dropped by roughly 40% last year among people under the age of 35. It's a welcome pivot for families and communities devastated by fentanyl.
Witness testifies about Sean Combs’ ‘hotel nights’: ‘I was repulsed’
The woman, who dated Combs, testified that she repeatedly told him she did not want to participate in the drug-fueled encounters with escorts he requested, but felt pressured to comply.
What happened when Lyndon Johnson federalized the National Guard
President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the National Guard in 1965, calling on troops to protect civil rights advocates who were marching from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery.
Trump mobilizes Marines for duty in Los Angeles
U.S. Northern Command says the infantry battalion would be supporting the National Guard troops "who are protecting federal personnel and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area."
