Alabama Leaders React to Montgomery Shooting

Saturday night's shootings in Montgomery rocked the State and the nation. As expected, Alabama’s leaders were quick to respond.

By late morning Sunday, three of Montgomery’s City Council had posted on social media.

Councilor Julie Turner Beard (District 2) posted:

“Mass shooting” and “Montgomery” are words that should never belong together.

I am heartbroken and angry over the senseless violence that shattered what should have been a fully joyful weekend in Montgomery.

My prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and I stand with our police as they pursue justice.

I will have more to say as we learn more from the investigation, but today I want our community to know that I am committed to ensuring accountability and claiming peace for our city.”

Council Member Marche Johnson (District 3) said:

“The shooting that took place downtown has truly broken my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with every family affected by this senseless tragedy.

The moment I received the call, I immediately jumped up and went to the scene to support our police, our mayor and the families— accompanied by Councilor Riley, Councilor Mitchell, and State Representatives Hassell and Morris. This will forever stay in the minds of our entire city. I’ve never been speechless before, but standing there and seeing families scream and victims left me without words — only heartbreak.

What makes this even more painful is that we had such a beautiful weekend here in Montgomery — two successful HBCU football games, families downtown enjoying good food, music, and community. The city was alive with unity and pride. To have that joy shattered by violence is devastating.

I am hoping for swift justice and the maximum punishment under the law for those responsible. I’m praying for healing, for justice, and for peace in our city. Let’s continue to stand together, look out for one another, and work toward the safe, strong Montgomery we all deserve.”

She also posted as a comment to the above that:  “Resources are available at Family Guidance, One Place Family Justice Center, Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, and The Victim Services Unit of the District Attorney's Office.”

Councilman Andrew Szymanski (District 7) said that: 

“Last night's shooting at the corner of Commerce Street and Bibb Street was a despicable act of cowardice and evil that has no place in our city.

Montgomery was thriving this weekend, hosting the Alabama National Fair, a successful Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Classic, and Alabama State University homecoming events, which brought millions in economic growth and countless visitors to our city.

But just before midnight, evil reckless bad actors unleashed violence that stole two lives and left others fighting for survival in critical condition. This is not who we are.

I commend the Montgomery Police Department, the Fire Department, our hospitals, doctors, nurses, 911 operators, and every public safety department for their swift response, arriving within seconds to secure the scene. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this tragedy. 

Let me be clear: these cowardly acts will not define Montgomery and is not who we are but we must acknowledge that we have a problem that needs to be addressed; senseless acts of violence that are effecting the quality of life of residents, tourist, business alike. I ask every resident, neighborhood, and business to stand together, reject this violence, and turn in anyone known to be involved.”

Sunday morning, Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement critical of Montgomery’s leadership, at which Mayor Steven Reed took umbrage at the City’s Sunday noon press conference, as ALPolitics.com has reported.

Monday morning, Governor Kay Ivey issued a statement that said: 

“Alabamians lost their lives at the hands of thugs in downtown Montgomery this weekend. First and foremost, we pray for the loved ones of those lives taken from us, as well as those innocent people injured, including some still fighting for their lives.

With Montgomery Police Department officers a short distance away, shots were exchanged out over a crowded downtown Montgomery Saturday night. This simply should not be happening in our Capital City or anywhere in our state for that matter. Any and all involved must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens.

We — the state — have previously and continue to take steps to target the crime in Montgomery, which has ranged from us deploying our MACS Unit to passing new laws. Unfortunately, you can’t fix stupid. It is clear that to have a safe Montgomery, it is going to take more than these steps.

Over the last day, I have had continued discussions on what more can be done. That discussion continues and a resolution will not happen overnight, but we will be taking a few additional immediate steps.

Ensuring safe communities is the number one priority for government at all levels — local, state and federal. And unfortunately, I still feel the need for the state to further intervene in Montgomery and to have an even greater role in leading public safety efforts in our Capital City.

With that said, we are beginning to take additional steps from the state level to deter crime in Montgomery. To start, in addition to our active MACS Unit, I have asked my ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor to extend the patrol area for our Capitol Troopers to include other key downtown areas. I will plan on asking the Legislature to support additional resources to allow our state law enforcement presence to be more effective in downtown Montgomery. We will also continue to discuss how we can work better with Montgomery city and county law enforcement to ensure zero tolerance for crime in Montgomery.

I am also asking my ABC Administrator Curtis Stewart to review our laws, expectations and requirements regarding entities who are licensed to sell alcohol – specifically those in highly populated and heavily traveled areas, as well as for special events, where the sale and consumption of alcohol is taking place after 5:00 p.m. within the city of Montgomery.

Let me be clear: All available state assets are being discussed, and ALL options remain on the table. Montgomery is a special place filled with history, great potential and a strong community of people. There is too much at stake here, and as a longtime resident of Montgomery myself, I cannot stand by and allow this to continue.”

Alabama’s Congressional delegation also expressed their thoughts in the hours and days immediately after the shooting.

Senator Tommy Tuberville posted that:

‘I am deeply disturbed by what took place in Alabama’s capital city last night. Crime has become too common in Montgomery, and this cannot continue. It’s past time for city leadership to take responsibility and put an end to this. 

My prayers are with the victims and their families of last night’s horrific shooting.”

Sen. Katie Britt responded similarly, saying that:

‘Wesley and I are heartbroken for our community and ask that you please join us in lifting up the victims and their families in prayer.

I’m closely monitoring the ongoing investigation. Everyone responsible for this heinous, senseless violence must be brought to justice.”

Representative Barry Moore (R-AL1) gave ALPolitics.com the following statement:

"The tragic violence we saw this past weekend in Montgomery is heartbreaking. We grieve with the families who lost loved ones and lift them up in prayer, asking God to bring comfort and healing in the days ahead.

Acts of violence like this shake the foundation of communities and make people feel unsafe. We need accountability, stronger enforcement, and leadership that puts the safety of people in our communities first."

Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL2), in whose District the induce took place, said that:

“What happened in Montgomery last night is unacceptable, and I'm tired of it continuing in our communities. Two people are dead, and 14 people are injured because they were caught in the crosshairs of a senseless act of gun violence. 

These reckless shootings have to stop, and I am committed to working closely with the City of Montgomery and law enforcement to find and fund solutions to end gun violence. 

My heart goes out to all the victims and their families. Enough is enough.”

As the investigation into the shooting—which left two dead at the scene and over a dozen injured, some critically—continues, we can only wait to see if the current outrage becomes positive action to reduce the chances incidents like this occur in the future.