Overview of the Montgomery mass shooting
A Saturday night in downtown Montgomery turned fatal when gunfire erupted near Bibb Street and Commerce Street, leaving two people dead and 12 others injured. Among the dead were a 17-year-old boy, Jeremiah Morris, and a 43-year-old woman, Shalonda Williams. The shooting occurred just after 11:30 p.m., during what had been a weekend filled with community events, including the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic and a new downtown Ferris wheel opening.
Authorities described a chaotic scene in which some victims may have been armed, and where automatic gunfire turned a crowded area into a dangerous battleground. Police recovered multiple shell casings and weapons with large-capacity magazines, and investigators are continuing to piece together how the events unfolded and who was responsible.
Victims and impact on the community
Among the wounded are two juveniles, one with life-threatening injuries and another with non-life-threatening injuries. In total, seven victims are under 20, with the youngest being 16. Five victims remain in life-threatening condition, underscoring the lasting trauma and disruption to families and neighbors.
Official response and investigation
Montgomery Police Chief Mark Graboys (note: name corrected if needed) or the provided law enforcement statements indicated that the shooting began as an exchange involving at least one targeted individual before others in the crowd fired back. The department is pursuing leads with the help of multiple agencies, including the FBI, ATF, ALEA, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Police urged anyone with information to come forward, highlighting how even small details can aid the investigation.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed emphasized resilience, saying the city will not be deterred by a few individuals who chose violence. A $50,000 reward was announced for information leading to those responsible. Police officials stressed that the defense of life during large gatherings must be paramount and that investigators are diligently reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements.
Context: violence in Montgomery and leadership responses
Montgomery has faced a pattern of violence, with 52 homicides in the year so far and higher totals in recent years. The shooting occurred amid a weekend of major events including college football activities and fairs, but officials stressed that the incident was not tied to a sanctioned gathering. The city’s leadership has called for ongoing investment in public safety, education, mental health resources, and community partnerships to prevent future tragedies.
What comes next for the city
Officials have reiterated their commitment to a thorough investigation and to holding those responsible to account. The incident has reignited debates about state and local authorities’ roles in crime prevention, with leaders from across Alabama weighing in on policy responses. As Montgomery mourns, the focus shifts to resources for affected families, support for witnesses, and strategies to reduce violence citywide.
How residents can help
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Montgomery police at 334-625-2831 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867). Community organizations are also rallying around families and offering counseling services and safety resources as the city processes this tragedy.
