By Political Bourbon | Credit: AL.com
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A night meant for celebration turned to chaos late Saturday as gunfire erupted in downtown Montgomery, leaving two people dead and a dozen others injured. The shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. near Bibb Street and Commerce Street, an area filled with visitors following the Morehouse–Tuskegee Classic and other weekend events.
According to Montgomery Police Lt. Tina McGriff, a total of 14 people were shot. Two victims, including a woman, have died. Among the injured are two juveniles — one suffering life-threatening injuries and another with less severe wounds. In all, three victims remain in critical condition while nine others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Chief James Graboys said the violence stemmed from “two parties shooting at each other in the middle of a crowd,” adding that the shooters “did not care about the people around them when they did it.”
As of early Sunday, no arrests had been made, though investigators were actively interviewing potential suspects. “We will do everything we need to gather every bit of evidence to chase down whoever is involved,” Graboys said.
Lt. McGriff urged witnesses to come forward, noting detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering statements. “Even the smallest detail could be critical,” she said. Police ask anyone with information to call 334-625-2831 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Weekend of Celebration Turns Violent
The shooting unfolded amid a busy weekend in Alabama’s capital. The Morehouse–Tuskegee Classic had just concluded at Cramton Bowl stadium, drawing large crowds downtown. A new Ferris wheel had opened nearby, the Alabama National Fair was underway at Garrett Coliseum, and Alabama State University hosted its homecoming game against Bethune-Cookman University.
Video shared by WSFA showed police vehicles blocking streets and flashing lights illuminating the chaotic aftermath. A news conference is expected at noon Sunday.
Political Reactions and Rising Tensions
Violent crime has become a growing concern in Montgomery. Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth posted online that “local leaders must be willing to lead in order to stop the crime and violence.” The statement reignited tensions between Ainsworth and Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, who have clashed over public safety leadership.
In July, Ainsworth accused Reed of taking undue credit for reductions in crime, arguing that the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) — a coalition of agencies including ALEA, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Montgomery Police, and ATF — deserved the recognition. Reed dismissed the criticism, saying he’s “not worried about credit because I focus on results.”
Gov. Kay Ivey has praised MACS and announced plans to expand it during her February State of the State address.
Calls for Action — or Troops?
The shooting may intensify debate over how to tackle violent crime in Alabama’s cities. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, now a frontrunner for governor in 2026, said in August he would “absolutely” consider deploying the National Guard to Birmingham and Montgomery to combat crime, mirroring actions taken by President Trump in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Reed rejected that approach, saying, “Montgomery is not a battlefield. It is a city of families, faith, and future. The people of this community deserve solutions rooted in partnership, not political soundbites.” He has repeatedly emphasized the need for “continued investment in jobs, education, mental health, and public safety resources — not troops on our streets.”
City Still Reeling
Montgomery has faced a string of violent incidents this year. In late September, five people were killed in separate homicides during a single weekend. “Every life lost to violence is one too many,” Reed said at the time. “We can’t shrug it off like it’s normal. It’s not normal, and it’s not acceptable.”
As the city mourns yet another tragedy, many residents are left asking what more can be done — not just to solve Saturday night’s shooting, but to prevent the next one.
Scene of the mass shooting in downtown Montgomery late Saturday night.
