Montgomery City Council member calls for delay, review of upcoming gun show

Montgomery City Council member Marche Johnson says she wants an upcoming gun show to be delayed and reviewed following the mass shooting that left two people dead and a dozen injured, some critically.

Johnson, who represents District 3 on the council, an area that includes downtown where the mass shooting took place, posted her concerns on Facebook, saying in part, “In light of recent events and growing concerns around unregistered firearms in our community, I am calling for a temporary pause and review of the upcoming Gun Show in Montgomery. This is not a call against responsible gun ownership — it’s a call for accountability and safety.”

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. The victims who were killed have been identified as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams. Of the 12 injured, five have life-threatening injuries. Seven are under the age of 20, with the youngest being 16 years old.

“We can respect the Second Amendment and protect our citizens — those two priorities must go hand in hand,” Johnson said.

The Collectors and Shooters Company Gun Show is scheduled for November 1-2 at the Alcazar Shrine Center.

Action 8 News is working to get reaction from gun show organizers and other city leaders regarding Johnson’s proposal to delay the event.