MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Following a mass shooting that killed two people and injured approximately a dozen others in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey addressed the incident by announcing that the state would take a more active role in public safety efforts in the city. The shooting occurred on Saturday night around 11:31 p.m. in a bustling downtown area known for its bars, hotels, and restaurants, close to significant historic sites.
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys indicated that preliminary investigations suggest that at least one of the 14 victims was targeted, causing chaos as others in the crowd began returning gunfire. Notably, seven of the 14 victims were under the age of 20.
In light of this tragedy, Governor Ivey has begun to explore potential responses and intends to request Alabama lawmakers to allocate additional resources for public safety. She announced that Capitol troopers would expand their patrol areas to include other critical downtown locations, emphasizing that “all available state assets are being discussed” in the pursuit of a safer environment for Montgomery residents.
Ivey described the city as a special place filled with history and potential, underlining the need for tangible and effective measures to ensure public safety. Her remarks highlighted a multi-agency task force that was previously established to tackle crime in the downtown area, showing a commitment to sustained efforts in curbing violence.
Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed expressed his willingness to cooperate with state initiatives but raised concerns regarding the impact of Alabama's relaxed gun laws. He noted that the lack of necessary regulations had removed critical tools from law enforcement's ability to manage public safety effectively.
The Governor's comments point toward a comprehensive approach to combating violence, indicating that simply increasing law enforcement presence is not sufficient without addressing the underlying cultural issues related to gun ownership and responsibility. No arrests have been reported in connection with the shooting as of Monday morning.
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys indicated that preliminary investigations suggest that at least one of the 14 victims was targeted, causing chaos as others in the crowd began returning gunfire. Notably, seven of the 14 victims were under the age of 20.
In light of this tragedy, Governor Ivey has begun to explore potential responses and intends to request Alabama lawmakers to allocate additional resources for public safety. She announced that Capitol troopers would expand their patrol areas to include other critical downtown locations, emphasizing that “all available state assets are being discussed” in the pursuit of a safer environment for Montgomery residents.
Ivey described the city as a special place filled with history and potential, underlining the need for tangible and effective measures to ensure public safety. Her remarks highlighted a multi-agency task force that was previously established to tackle crime in the downtown area, showing a commitment to sustained efforts in curbing violence.
Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed expressed his willingness to cooperate with state initiatives but raised concerns regarding the impact of Alabama's relaxed gun laws. He noted that the lack of necessary regulations had removed critical tools from law enforcement's ability to manage public safety effectively.
The Governor's comments point toward a comprehensive approach to combating violence, indicating that simply increasing law enforcement presence is not sufficient without addressing the underlying cultural issues related to gun ownership and responsibility. No arrests have been reported in connection with the shooting as of Monday morning.
