Late Saturday night, a violent shootout erupted in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, leaving two people dead and 12 others wounded in what officials are calling a “mass shooting.”
At approximately 11:30 p.m., gunfire broke out near the intersection of Bibb and Commerce Streets, a busy nightlife area near landmarks like the Rosa Parks Museum and the Hank Williams Museum. Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys said the violence began when one individual was targeted. Once shots rang out, others in the crowd pulled weapons and returned fire, creating chaos as bullets flew in multiple directions.
“The shooters did not care about the people around them when they did it,” Graboys said, emphasizing how reckless the exchange was.
In total, 14 people were shot. Among them were 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams, who both died from their injuries. Five of the wounded remain in life-threatening condition. Seven of the victims are younger than 20, with the youngest just 16 years old.
Investigators recovered several weapons and shell casings at the scene and confirmed that at least two victims were armed. Officers nearby on patrol responded within minutes, interviewing witnesses and collecting surveillance footage to piece together the sequence of events.
As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward and have offered a $50,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed vowed to hold everyone responsible accountable — not just the shooters, but anyone involved in planning or enabling the violence. “This will not be accepted or normalized in our city,” Reed said.
The shooting came during a busy weekend in Montgomery, with the Alabama National Fair, Alabama State University’s Homecoming, and a college football game between Tuskegee and Morehouse drawing large crowds.
City and state leaders expressed outrage and grief over the tragedy, calling the violence senseless and urging community action. Nearby residents described hearing bursts of gunfire and seeing people fall to the pavement as chaos unfolded. Businesses in the area were disrupted, and a small memorial was set up near the scene as the community began to mourn.
