At least four people were killed and multiple others injured in a shooting at a birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama, on April 16, 2023. The incident occurred at around 10:30 p.m. at the Mahogany Masterpiece dance studio, which was converted from an old Bank of Dadeville two years ago. There is no confirmation about what led to the shooting, and it is not immediately known whether a suspect is in custody. Reports suggest that as many as 20 people may have been shot at the gathering, most of whom were teens. The violence has shaken the small town of Dadeville, where serious crime is rare.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement on social media, saying, “This morning, I grieve with the people of Dadeville and my fellow Alabamians. Violent crime has no place in our state, and we are staying closely updated by law enforcement as details emerge.”
President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting and has been in touch with local officials and law enforcement to offer support. The Dadeville shooting occurred around the same time two people were killed and four others were injured in Louisville, Kentucky, by someone who shot into a crowded park on Saturday evening. This marks the 160th mass shooting in the country this year, according to the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive.
Dadeville was hit by at least one prior mass shooting when a gunman on Aug. 28, 2016, wounded five people during a party at the American Legion Hall. After a new law took effect in January, anyone 18 or over may carry a handgun in the state without a permit, background check, or safety training in Alabama. Alabama has no state law that restricts or defines "assault weapons" or "large capacity magazines" and doesn't regulate machine guns as a class of firearm, according to the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action.