MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — In the wake of a tragic mass shooting in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, which left two individuals dead and approximately a dozen others injured, Governor Kay Ivey announced plans for increased state involvement in public safety efforts within the capital city. The shooting occurred late Saturday night, around 11:31 p.m., in a busy area teeming with bars, hotels, and restaurants, located less than a mile from the Alabama State Capitol and near important historical sites that honor figures like Rosa Parks.
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys stated that among the 14 shooting victims, one appeared to have been specifically targeted, prompting additional gunfire from others present in the area. This created a highly chaotic situation, as Graboys described. Notably, seven of the 14 victims were younger than 20 years old, highlighting the tragic impact of the incident on the community's youth.
In response to this violent outbreak, Governor Ivey, a Republican, is considering various strategies to enhance security following the shooting. An immediate action entails extending the patrol areas of Capitol troopers to cover additional key downtown regions. Furthermore, the governor plans to request Alabama lawmakers to allocate more resources to state law enforcement agencies operating in downtown Montgomery.
Ivey emphasized the gravity of the situation in her written statement released on Monday morning. She expressed, “Let me be clear: All available state assets are being discussed, and ALL options remain on the table.” The governor articulated her belief that Montgomery is a historically rich city with significant potential and a resilient community.
Referring to the incident, Ivey stated, “Alabamians lost their lives at the hands of thugs in downtown Montgomery this weekend.” This tragic moment underscored the need for comprehensive approaches to addressing crime in the area, as the state had previously established a multi-agency task force aimed at tackling criminal activity in downtown Montgomery.
In her remarks, Ivey remarked, “Unfortunately, you can’t fix stupid,” indicating a frustration with the persistent nature of violence and crime. She acknowledged that achieving a safer Montgomery would require more than just initial measures. As of Monday morning, no arrests had been reported in connection with the shooting.
Additionally, Chief Graboys pointed out that police officers were present in the vicinity when the shooting took place, underscoring the unpredictable nature of violent incidents, even in areas with police presence.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding public safety, particularly among the youth, as the impact of such violent occurrences reverberates through families and the broader community. Governor Ivey’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to fostering a safer environment in Montgomery as officials continue to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy.
