New Year's Eve: Police Warn Against Celebratory Gunfire

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Ringing in the new year comes with a variety of celebrations, but one particular form of celebration, police warn, is unsafe and against the law. Firing guns into the air has been a celebration trend on holidays, especially New YEar's Eve in recent years and Birmingham police urge residents to refrain from that form of celebration.

"Unfortunately during New Year’s Eve some citizens choose to celebrate the New Year by irresponsibly firing guns in the air," said Sgt. Johnny Williams of the Birmingham Police Department. "The Birmingham Police Department reports that the Shot Spotter Gunshot Location System will be utilized to combat celebratory gunfire during New Year’s Eve. The system will aid officers by pin-pointing the exact location of the gunfire. Additional officers will be on hand to assist the overlapping patrol shifts address the citizen reports and Shot Spotter System indications of those persons who choose to participate in the reckless behavior of firing guns on New Year’s Eve."

Williams said officers at all precincts are distributing additional information to the public on the dangers of celebratory gunfire.

"The Birmingham Police Department would like to remind the public that celebratory gunfire is illegal and causes damage to homes and other property," Williams said. "Celebratory gunfire can also injure people and animals. It can also fatally wound people even if they are indoors or in vehicles."