Montgomery Sees Multiple Cancellations After Mass Shooting
As politicians battle, multiple events are cancelled and the downtown entertainment district is suspended
In the days since a mass shooting left two people dead and a dozen others wounded, the City of Montgomery has been thrust into mourning and controversy. Late Saturday night, gunfire erupted in the downtown entertainment district near Commerce and Bibb streets, where hundreds had gathered to enjoy the weekend. Officials say 14 people were shot, two fatally. Among the victims were 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda “Rena” Williams. Five others were left in critical condition while several sustained non-life-threatening wounds. Investigators believe the violence began when one individual was targeted, prompting others nearby to open fire. Witness Dwight Floyd described the chaos in raw terms: “That’s pure evil, it’s pure evil … I was running, I thought to myself there’s too much gunfire, so just get down.”
As police continued to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses, political tensions quickly surfaced over the city’s handling of public safety and gun violence. Mayor Steven Reed and Police Chief Jim Graboys addressed reporters early in the week, pledging a full investigation and calling for calm. But Reed also renewed his criticism of Alabama’s gun laws, arguing that the State’s policies leave cities like Montgomery with “tied hands” when it comes to prevention. “When people are willing to open fire in a crowded area with no regard for human life, there is no legislation that can stop that kind of evil in the moment,” Reed later added that Alabama’s “lax” gun environment makes it harder for local leaders to act before tragedy strikes.
That comment drew a sharp contrast with Governor Kay Ivey, who condemned the violence but rejected Reed’s characterization of State law. The Governor called the shooting “unacceptable” and promised to send additional state law enforcement officers to Montgomery in support of the investigation. While Ivey stopped short of addressing gun control, she emphasized enforcement and accountability, saying Alabama must “uphold law and order” without undermining the rights of law-abiding citizens. Her remarks highlighted a growing rift between city and state leadership — a familiar divide between urban and rural priorities in Alabama politics. Reed, one of the State’s most prominent Democratic Mayors, has frequently clashed with Ivey and Republican lawmakers over public safety and gun policy. In turn, some conservatives have accused the Mayor of “politicizing” the tragedy rather than focusing on law enforcement and community responsibility.
Meanwhile, the shock of the shooting has led to a wave of cancellations and restrictions across the capital city. The Montgomery City Council voted unanimously to suspend the downtown entertainment district, a move meant to give officials time to reassess safety procedures and crowd control measures. Entertainment districts are designated areas where restaurant and bar patrons can purchase alcoholic beverages, and then carry drinks with them within the district. Montgomery‘s two other entertainment districts, in the Cottage Hill and Cloverdale neighborhoods, were unaffected by the Council’s decision and will remain active.
Councilwoman Marche Johnson said she supported the decision on the entertainment districts but wished it had come sooner, telling reporters, “If we would have done this prior to, we may have prevented what happened over the weekend.” The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office also canceled its annual 2025 “Spooktacular” Halloween event at Garrett Coliseum, citing both logistical and safety concerns after being unable to find a secure alternate venue.
City officials are also reconsidering other upcoming public events. Council Member Marche Johnson has called for a delay and review of an upcoming gun show, saying the community deserves time to reflect before hosting another large-scale event centered around firearms. In addition, the Council’s Public Safety Committee will meet on October 17 to discuss possible ordinances related to youth curfews, crowd control, and even the wearing of ski masks in public.
As the political and policy discussions continue, many Montgomery residents are turning to faith and fellowship for comfort. The Montgomery Metro Ministers Union, representing more than 40 pastors across the city, held a press conference this week urging residents to come together in peace and prayer. “We have a tradition of nonviolence … we appeal to young and old alike, ‘Let’s stop the violence,’” said Rev. Ronald Davis, the group’s President.
The ministers’ message has echoed throughout the city, inspiring vigils, church meetings, and youth outreach efforts in neighborhoods hardest hit by crime. While Montgomery grieves, local leaders are calling for a deeper commitment to community safety that goes beyond new laws or cancellations. Police have asked residents to share any information or footage that could help the investigation, while civic groups have launched campaigns focused on mentorship, conflict resolution, and family support.
Amid grief, frustration, and finger-pointing, the city stands at a crossroads—one where healing may depend as much on unity and faith as it does on policy.
Meanwhile, a number of “seasoned citizens” are remembering how similar shootings on Morris Avenue in Birmingham in the 1990s or early 2000s hamstrung the development of Birmingham’s downtown entertainment district for decades. Will this Montgomery shooting have the same crippling effect on Montgomery‘s attempts to become a major entertainment destination? Only time will tell.
