MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - A deadly mass shooting occurred overnight in downtown Montgomery, leaving the city in shock. The incident took place near the intersection of Bibb Street and Commerce Street at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Montgomery Police Department (MPD) reported that 14 individuals were injured, and tragically, two people, including a woman, lost their lives as a result of the violence.
Among the injured, two juveniles were reported, with one in life-threatening condition. In total, three victims remain critically injured, while nine others sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening. The MPD has yet to release further details regarding the second fatality.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed expressed his outrage over the incident, stating, “To have a heinous event like this take place prior to midnight in a busy part of our entertainment district is reckless and selfish.” He emphasized that the actions of the shooter were unacceptable, urging, “You don’t care about your life? Go jump off a bridge. You don’t pull out a gun and shoot in a crowd of people.”
Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys echoed the mayor's sentiments, declaring, “This is not acceptable. This is not normal. We will not rest until we put the people involved in jail.” He noted that the shooting was “not a typical mass shooting,” as it involved two groups exchanging gunfire in a crowded area. Graboys confirmed that police units were within 50 feet of both sides during the incident.
The shooting occurred during a busy weekend in downtown Montgomery, coinciding with events such as the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, the Alabama National Fair, and Alabama State University’s homecoming game. This influx of visitors made the area particularly crowded, raising concerns about public safety.
Chief Graboys reported that investigators have questioned multiple individuals related to the case, but it is unclear if any of those interviewed are actual suspects. He added that the firearms used in the shooting were equipped with high-capacity magazines, and the MPD has recovered several weapons linked to the incident.
Brandon Burnham, the owner of Paradigm Lounge, located near the shooting scene, shared his harrowing experience. “I was in the office when everything happened,” he recounted. “I just heard a ton of shots, and people started running inside Paradigm, even into the office where I was. I couldn’t even count how many shots it was, but quite a few.” Burnham described the chaotic scene outside his establishment, with individuals attempting to resuscitate those injured.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement expressing his condolences to the victims and their families. He remarked that this mass shooting “underscores, once again, that our capital city is in crisis.” Marshall criticized city leadership for their reluctance to acknowledge the severity of the situation.
The Montgomery Police Department is actively pursuing leads and reviewing evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage. They are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing that “even the smallest detail could be critical to helping investigators identify those responsible.”
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Montgomery Police at 334-625-2831 or reach out to Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Stay informed about updates on this developing story by downloading the WSFA News App, available for free on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
