Montgomery Reels After Downtown Shooting
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A chaotic scene unfolded in downtown Montgomery Saturday night when gunfire erupted between rival groups, leaving two dead and a dozen injured. The incident occurred in a busy nightlife area, raising concerns about public safety and the need for stronger community values.
Police have identified the deceased as 43-year-old Shalanda Williams and 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris. Among the injured, five are in critical condition, including a juvenile. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, seeking information from the public to identify and apprehend all those involved.
Mayor Steven Reed emphasized the city’s commitment to holding accountable not only those who fired weapons but also anyone connected to the incident. “We’re going to do whatever we can… to arrest those connected in any way, who knew what may have happened, who knew what could take place,” Reed stated at a Sunday news conference.
The shooting, which police believe started when one of the victims was targeted, resulted in multiple individuals drawing weapons and firing back. Law enforcement is reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to establish a motive.
The incident occurred near prominent landmarks such as the Hank Williams Museum and the Rosa Parks Museum, close to officers patrolling the area. Police Chief James Graboys described the event as a “mass shooting,” noting that seven of the victims were under the age of 20.
The shooting took place during a busy weekend in Montgomery, with multiple events drawing large crowds, including the Tuskegee University-Morehouse College football game. City officials are urging residents to prioritize respect for law and order to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
