ALEA to increase public safety efforts in Montgomery after mass shooting
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is increasing its public safety efforts in Montgomery at the direction of Governor Kay Ivey and after the mass shooting that left two people dead and 12 others injured, some seriously.
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.
Effective immediately, ALEA says it will expand the patrol footprint of Capitol Police to include key downtown areas. That change was mentioned by Governor Ivey in her response to the shooting.
In addition, state troopers will increase their visibility and enforcement in and around Montgomery with the goal of deterring criminal activity and dangerous driving behavior.
ALEA says those effort, in addition to the work of the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, reflect its commitment to support local law enforcement and ensure a safe environment for
residents and visitors alike. It says Montgomery’s residents, like all Alabamians, deserve to live in a community free from violence.
ALEA says achieving this goal requires strong collaboration among all branches of government — executive, legislative, and judicial — at the local, state and federal levels to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.
ALEA says it will continue to coordinate closely with Montgomery’s city and county law enforcement leadership to align efforts, enhance response capabilities and ensure a strong, united front
against criminal activity.
