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Officials reported that this Wednesday two firefighters were shot inside a Birmingham, Alabama fire stationin what police say may be a targeted attack.
both firefighters were hospitalized in serious condition after the shootingwhich took place around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond told reporters.
Thurmond said that a man or group of men entered the building through an open door in the morning and then fired at firefighters.
Police said that at the time of the shooting, firefighters were performing routine morning checks on the equipment and fire truck at Station 9 in Norwood, a Birmingham neighborhood.
About three firefighters were at the station at the time, authorities said.
the researchers they believe the shooting was directedbut they have not determined the motivation for the attack, Thurmond said according to NBC News.
“It is extremely unusual for someone to approach one of our fire stations,” he added.
“Our firefighters are there to protect and help,” he continued, adding that it was “very concerning, disheartening that this was happening in our community.”
No suspects have been detained and the incident remains under investigation, authorities said.
Two firefighters died in New Jersey
Last Wednesday night, authorities reported that Two New Jersey firefighters died after becoming trapped while fighting a fire on a cargo ship in Port Newark.
Newark Fire Division Chief Rufus Jackson said at a news conference that firefighters responded to reports of a fire around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found the fire on the tenth floor of the cargo ship, which was docked at Corbin and Marsh streets. The flames quickly spread to the 11th and 12th floors.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, but were “pulled out” due to the intensity of the heat. When they backed off, two of the officials disappeared.
A search effort was launched, but rescuers were unable to save them.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.
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