The vice president of the Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police shares his thoughts on the mass shooting in Five Points South

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The vice president of the Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police is now speaking out about the deadly mass shooting in Five Points South. FOP Vice President Lawrence Billups says it will take a team effort to solve the city’s crime problem.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Billups spoke to the council not only about how Birmingham officials can intervene, but also how everyone can help the police. During his speech to councilors, he called on elected officials in Montgomery to address what he called our state’s “cruel” gun laws.

Billups says our state’s open carry and carry without permit laws make police officers’ jobs more dangerous.

He also says that the problem of Glock switches needs to be addressed not only at the federal level, but also at the state level.

Police believe a “conversion kit” such as a Glock switch was used in the mass shooting.

Billups says officials also need additional support from city leadership.

“We ask the elected officials of the city of Birmingham to fully support us in this fight for the soul of our city. We ask you to give us the raises and equipment we need to have soldiers back on the ground to confront the scourges of the city.”

Billups added that the FOP’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims who were shot and suffered as a result of Saturday’s shooting. He said if you know anything, you need to tell police.

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