Community activist calls for Birmingham police chief to step down amid crime concerns [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A petition calling for Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond to step down has been gaining traction, sparked by local activist Eric Hall.

Hall, who previously ran for a seat on the Birmingham City Council, launched the petition over the weekend, citing concerns over rising violent crime and what he describes as “low morale in the police department.”

The petition has gathered nearly 100 signatures.

Hall points to the city’s high murder rate and the low number of officers on the streets as primary reasons for the petition. While acknowledging that changing leadership won’t solve the issue overnight, Hall believes it is a necessary first step.

He argues that violent crime in Birmingham is tied to deeper issues like poverty and lack of economic opportunity.

“Violent crime is rooted in a lot of other issues that must be addressed,” Hall said. “However, we do need a leader in office, or in this position, that’s willing to …