Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed: “I don’t need anyone lecturing me about crime”
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has some strong words for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall regarding the city’s crime issues following the mass shooting.
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.
“These events underscore, once again, that our capital city is in crisis,” Marshall posted to X. “Though the blame lies with those who carelessly pulled the triggers, I continue to be troubled by the city leadership’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge that they have a serious problem.”
“I don’t need anyone lecturing me about crime,” Reed said at a news conference yesterday, referring to Marshall.
“I think it’s very easy to sit back while you’re watching college football and talk about someone that you don’t know about. If the attorney general ever wants to talk to me about what we’ve been doing, I’ll be more than happy to sit down with him.”
Marshall also said in his post, “While I believe that local law enforcement is doing the best they can, the people of Montgomery deserve leaders who are competent, accountable and committed to restoring law and order.”
Marshall pointed out that as attorney general, he lives in Montgomery himself. He is currently running to replace U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. As attorney general, he is the state’s top law enforcement official.
“To say there’s been a refusal (to acknowledge crime) is a lack of awareness, a lack of information or education,” Reed said about Marshall.
Attorney General Marshall Issues Statement on Shooting in Downtown Montgomery pic.twitter.com/ffGRDqBwmH
— Attorney General Steve Marshall (@AGSteveMarshall) October 5, 2025
