Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed responds to Gov. Kay Ivey on mass shooting

Photo from the City of Montgomery

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has issued a response to a statement from Governor Kay Ivey regarding the mass shooting in downtown Montgomery.

As Action 8 News has reported, the shooting happened in a crowded area just before midnight Saturday, October 4, in the area around Bibb and Commerce streets, in the heart of the city’s tourist area where many events had taken place throughout the day.

The shooter hasn’t been arrested. Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys identified the victims as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams.

Chief Graboys said of the 12 injured, five have life-threatening injuries. Seven are under the age of 20, with the youngest being 16 years old. He said investigators believe one of the victims was targeted and soon after, gunfire was exchanged.

Governor Ivey released a statement today that said the state’s response to crime in Montgomery should include ALEA, the Alabama Legislature and the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board working with city and county law enforcement.

Here is Reed’s statement in its entirety:

“Our hearts remain with the victims and families impacted by this senseless act of violence. We continue to pray for their recovery and for healing across our community.

“As I said this weekend, what happened near Bibb and Commerce Streets was reckless and selfish. When people are willing to open fire in a crowded area with no regard for human life, there is no legislation that can stop that kind of evil in the moment.

“But there are laws that make it harder—or easier—for cities and law enforcement to keep weapons out of the hands of people who should not have them.

“The truth is, Alabama’s gun laws have become so lax that it has taken critical tools away from police officers.

“Today, anyone can carry a concealed weapon without a license or training. That’s a change from just a few years ago, when permits helped keep firearms out of the hands of people with violent backgrounds.

“Montgomery’s City Council and I attempted to bring a measure of accountability by requiring anyone openly carrying a firearm to show identification upon request. That ordinance would have given officers the ability to verify who was armed in public spaces—especially downtown.

“But under current state law, enforcing such an ordinance could have cost Montgomery state funding.

“That is a problem, not a solution.

Despite these limitations, our police department continues to perform at a high level. Five MPD officers were within the immediate area when this shooting occurred—one within 50 feet. They responded within seconds, secured the scene, and are now working with state and federal partners to bring every offender to justice.

“Overall crime in Montgomery continues to trend downward because of our officers’ dedication and our community’s commitment to prevention and accountability.

“We welcome any assistance the state is willing to provide. But real safety requires more than additional troopers or task forces— it requires the courage to confront the culture of easy access to guns and a lack of responsibility among those who carry them.

“Montgomery is strong, and we will continue leading from the front to make our capital city safer for everyone.”