Upcoming Rapper PGE Rod Among Victims in Mass Shooting as Alabama's Gun Laws Come Under Scrutiny
Birmingham, AL -The vibrant music scene in Birmingham has suffered a devastating loss. Last night, upcoming rapper PGE Rod was killed in a mass shooting that claimed four lives and left 18 others injured in the 5 Points South district. The incident, which local authorities believe is rooted in escalating street beefs, has raised new concerns about Alabama's permissive gun laws, particularly the controversial "constitutional carry" law signed by Governor Kay Ivey in March 2022.
PGE Rod, whose real name was not immediately released, had recently dropped a new single, "Spin It," produced by Breaking Bread Records’ Super Producer and Rapper Yung Major. Just as his music was gaining momentum, with a new music video shot by KenXL out on YouTube, this tragic event cut his career short. Yung Major, a key figure in PGE Rod’s rise, has yet to comment on the loss of his friend and collaborator.
Mayor Woodfin’s Struggle Against Gun Violence
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has been vocal about the public safety issues surrounding gun violence, especially in light of mass shootings that have become alarmingly frequent. Mayor Woodfin, in a recent statement, emphasized the increasing danger posed by "Glock switches" – devices that turn semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. While these devices are illegal under federal law, there is no state law in Alabama outlawing them, a gap that the mayor has been urging legislators to address.
“We need State Legislators’ help. Ban Glock switches,” Woodfin wrote on social media. His plea underscores the urgency of addressing the ease with which firearms are being modified, amplifying the carnage on Alabama streets. The mayor’s message also included a call for stricter penalties for those caught with such modifications, urging for mandatory sentencing of at least 10 years for possession and life in prison if these devices are used in a crime that results in death.
Governor Kay Ivey and the Controversial Constitutional Carry Law
The shooting has reignited a heated debate over Alabama’s gun laws, particularly the “constitutional carry” bill signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in March 2022. The law, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, allows law-abiding residents aged 19 and older to carry a concealed pistol without a permit. This legislation removed the requirement for a background check or firearms safety course before carrying a concealed weapon, a decision that has faced significant criticism, especially in light of mass shootings like the one last night.
Before this law was passed, residents needed to apply for an Alabama Pistol Permit, which came with certain checks, including sheriff oversight and, in some counties, mandatory firearms training. By eliminating these requirements, critics argue that it has made it easier for individuals to carry firearms, thus contributing to the increase in gun violence.
Public Outcry and the Need for Change
The tragic death of PGE Rod and the other victims has sparked renewed calls for action. Mayor Woodfin’s efforts to push for stronger gun control measures, such as banning Glock switches and tightening concealed carry laws, are gaining public support. However, the lack of state-level legislation addressing these critical issues continues to leave Birmingham vulnerable to more acts of gun violence.
It’s not just the mayor’s fight anymore; the people of Birmingham are increasingly demanding changes to safeguard their communities. Whether through more rigorous gun control laws or heightened penalties for those caught with illegal weapon modifications, the public wants to see action that curbs the rising tide of shootings that has claimed too many lives.
As family, friends, and fans of PGE Rod mourn his untimely death, this tragedy is a harsh reminder of the deadly intersection between street conflicts and the easy access to firearms in Alabama. PGE Rod’s new music video “Spin It,” shot by KenXL, remains online as a bittersweet tribute to his talent, but his legacy now intertwines with a larger, more urgent conversation about gun violence and public safety in Alabama.
The streets of Birmingham have been shaken, and the calls for reform grow louder with every passing day.
[For more information on the mass shooting in Birmingham, click here](https://ktla.com/news/ap-4-killed-in-late-night-shooting-in-birmingham-alabama-police-say).