Fatal Shooting at Birmingham's Pita Stop Leaves Community Shaken

A patron was shot and killed during a confrontation with the owner of Pita Stop, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Birmingham's Southside. The owner, Mohammad "Matt" Islam, claimed self-defense, stating that the patron had beaten him in the kitchen during a dispute over a bill. Islam said he feared for the safety of his employees and customers, leading him to shoot the patron three times. The incident is still under investigation, but the restaurant has since reopened.