Crime
Active Shooter Investigation Underway at Montgomery Veterans Hospital
No one is injured. No one was shot.
UPDATE: Despite initial reports of an active shooter and a subsequent lockdown at the Montgomery VA Hospital, authorities have confirmed that no weapon was found.
Chief of Staff Chip Hill stated that police leadership has assured him there were no individuals armed with a gun on the premises.
He emphasized that there were no injuries, no shootings, and that the Montgomery Police Department is continuing to support federal counterparts in their ongoing investigation into the initial reports.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) is urging the public to avoid the Montgomery VA Hospital on Perry Hill Road due to an ongoing active shooter investigation. The alert was issued via email and social media.
Law enforcement and VA police are on the scene responding to the situation, and all hospital entrances have been temporarily restricted.
To prioritize the safety of everyone in the area, CAVHCS is requesting that all visitors, patients, and staff refrain from entering the hospital grounds until further notice.
“We are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” stated Valerie Russell, Acting Director of CAVHCS. “We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Individuals with scheduled appointments or urgent medical needs are advised to contact the hospital by phone to reschedule or seek care at alternative VA facilities. Authorities are expected to release additional details through official channels.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.