By Jeff Devine
MONTGOMERY — Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys and Mayor Steven Reed held a joint press conference Tuesday to update the public on the investigation into last weekend’s mass shooting that left two people dead and several injured.
The briefing, which lasted half an hour, offered limited specifics but shared several key points on the city’s strategy and investigation. Chief Graboys said five victims remain in critical condition. On Sunday, police identified the deceased as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams, both from Montgomery. Seven others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Montgomery City Council Votes to Suspend Downtown Entertainment District in Response to Deadly Shooting
The Montgomery City Council has voted unanimously to suspend the downtown entertainment district following Saturday night’s mass shooting that left 14 people shot, two dead, and five others in critical condition.
Councilwoman Marche Johnson, who represents the downtown area, said the move was necessary to restore safety and order.
“If we would have done this prior to, we may have prevented what happened over the weekend,” Johnson said. “Looking at footage and cameras, there was a large crowd gathered at Commerce and Bibb.”
Other entertainment districts in Cottage Hill and Cloverdale will remain open.
Councilman Andrew Szymanski, who owns Hilltop Public House in Cottage Hill, issued a statement saying enforcement is key. “One of my concerns is that we have rules that are not being enforced, and that’s what leads to some of the problems we’re seeing.”
Business owners are also voicing frustration. Jud Blount, who owns Ravello Ristorante downtown, urged the council to take action. “Sunday I was cleaning blood off the sidewalks in front of Ravello. The loitering and the entertainment district—they’re not working,” Blount said. “People need to keep walking; they don’t need to be loitering.”
Councilwoman Johnson also proposed banning ski masks and extending curfew hours as additional safety measures. A committee will review those proposals on October 17 at 10 a.m.
The Investigation is ongoing; Multiple Shooters Involved
Chief Graboys confirmed that investigators believe multiple shooters were responsible but did not release names.
“The investigation is constantly fluid,” he said. “We had so many people out there, and we were literally tracking down every individual […] just to question them. That takes time, and everything has to be pieced together.”
He said more information will be released as evidence and witness statements are reviewed.
State and Federal Agencies Assist
At least a dozen law enforcement agencies are collaborating, including the Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. and Alabama Attorneys General Offices, Alabama Fusion Center, and Central Alabama CrimeStoppers.
Chief Graboys on Gang Activity
When asked about a Facebook post from the Alabama Sheriff’s Association stating that “Montgomery has a criminal gang problem,” Graboys acknowledged the issue.
“Yes, there are gangs. Nobody’s denying it, and yes, they’re a problem,” he said. “But we are going to do everything we can to go after those individuals, and I believe we are going to have success in the future.”
He recalled that during his early career in the 1990s, “every cop in the city knew there were gangs in Montgomery, but at the time, people would not want to talk about it.”
Graboys added that the current collaboration with state and federal agencies offers a chance to combat gang violence, which he called a nationwide problem.
Mayor Reed Highlights Public Safety Efforts
Mayor Reed outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen MPD and improve city safety. He said recent city budgets have raised the department’s funding from $44.6 million to nearly $60 million, supporting new equipment, upgraded communications, and expanded surveillance.
Reed also cited partnerships with other mayors to promote gun safety, including backing Glock switch bans and opposing state preemption laws that limit local control.
He reiterated his opposition to Alabama’s “permitless carry” law, which allows individuals 19 and older who are legally eligible to possess firearms to carry without a permit. The law excludes those with felony or domestic violence convictions, though pistol permits remain available.
Chief’s Written Statement
Before the press conference, Chief Graboys issued a statement reaffirming his department’s commitment to solving the case and rejecting any normalization of violence in the city.
“We are working diligently to solve this case and are making every effort to remain transparent throughout the process. The Montgomery Police Department has zero tolerance for violence in our city, and we are committed to protecting every resident and holding criminals accountable,” Graboys said.
“We don’t just work here — this is our home, and it’s our families’ home. We will not accept this type of violence as normal or acceptable in Montgomery.”
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City and State Response
City Council President C.C. Calhoun said the council is considering expanding the curfew for minors 17 and under to cover the entire city.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency also announced it will increase patrols in Montgomery at Governor Kay Ivey’s request.
Governor Ivey condemned the violence and promised stronger state involvement in the following address she released:
“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.
“This simply should not be happening in our Capital City or anywhere in our state. 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.
“Ensuring safe communities is the number one priority for government at all levels. 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.
“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.”
Ivey said she has directed ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor to extend Capitol Trooper patrols to additional downtown areas and will ask the Legislature for more resources. She also ordered a review of alcohol licensing policies for high-traffic venues and events after 5 p.m.
