A tragic shooting in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, left two people dead and twelve others seriously injured after rival gunmen opened fire in a crowded nightlife district on Saturday night. The incident occurred shortly after the Tuskegee University-Morehouse College rivalry football game, turning what had been a lively evening into chaos and panic.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased included a 43-year-old woman, Shalanda Williams, and a 17-year-old male, Jeremiah Morris. Among the twelve wounded, five were reported to have life-threatening injuries, including a juvenile. Seven of the fourteen victims were under the age of 20, the youngest being only 16 years old.
Police described the situation as a “mass shooting” that unfolded near several landmarks, including the Hank Williams Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum, and the Alabama Statehouse. Officers on regular patrol heard the gunfire and responded immediately. According to police reports, the confrontation began when an individual targeted one of the victims, prompting multiple people to draw their weapons and fire into the crowd.
“This was two parties involved that were basically shooting at each other in the middle of a crowd,” Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys said. “They did not care about the people around them when they did it.”
Law enforcement officials recovered multiple weapons and numerous shell casings at the scene. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the events that led to the shooting. No arrests had been made as of Sunday afternoon, but investigators have urged the public to share any information that could assist in identifying the shooters.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed expressed his outrage and grief over the incident, vowing that the city would pursue not only those directly responsible for the shooting but also anyone who may have been complicit. “We’re going to do whatever we can not only to arrest those responsible but also anyone who knew what may have happened,” he said. “The shooters had no regard for human life.”
The shooting occurred during one of Montgomery’s busiest weekends, with Alabama State University’s homecoming game, the Alabama National Fair, and the Tuskegee-Morehouse football matchup all attracting large crowds. Despite heavy police presence, the gunfire erupted just 50 feet from patrolling officers. One officer quickly transported a victim to the hospital before emergency services could arrive, underscoring the urgency and chaos of the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting as the city reels from the senseless violence.
