A mass shooting in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday night, October 5, 2025, left two people dead and 12 others wounded when multiple gunmen opened fire into a crowded nightlife district during a weekend of celebrations in the state capital.
The violence erupted around 11:30 p.m. near Bibb Street and Commerce Street, according to Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys. Officers responding to the scene could hear the gunfire as it was happening.
Graboys identified the deceased victims as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams, both believed to be from Montgomery. Of the 12 injured, five remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while seven others suffered non-life-threatening wounds. The youngest victim was 16 years old, with seven of the total victims under age 20.
The police chief explained that the shooting began when one individual was targeted, leading to an exchange of gunfire. When the initial shots were fired, multiple people in the crowd drew their own weapons and began shooting. Graboys noted that this created “a very chaotic situation, and every weapon has to be accounted for, and every piece of evidence has to be processed.”
Investigators recovered multiple weapons from the scene, all of which had high magazine capacities according to authorities. At least two of the victims were among those who were armed during the incident. The chief indicated that automatic gunfire was used and that the shooters showed no regard for the people around them when they opened fire.
The shooting occurred during a particularly busy weekend in Montgomery, with thousands of visitors in town for multiple events. The city was hosting the Alabama National Fair, Alabama State University’s homecoming weekend, and had just concluded a football game between Tuskegee University and Morehouse College at nearby Cramton Bowl. Various attractions, including a Ferris wheel, had been set up downtown for the festivities.
Mayor Steven Reed emphasized that the shooting was unrelated to any of the sporting or community events taking place in the city. He described the incident as resulting from a disagreement that could have been avoided, with the shooter having the option to walk away from the situation.
Morris, one of the victims killed, was remembered by his school as a remarkable student and young man. McIntyre Comprehensive Academy noted that he served as Mr. Star Academy 2024-2025, was a two-time Student of the Month recipient, and a Student of the Year nominee. The school described him as someone whose kindness, laughter, and joy touched everyone who knew him.
As of Tuesday, October 8, no arrests had been made, though police indicated they have developed strong leads and multiple persons of interest. Chief Graboys expressed confidence that perpetrators would be brought to justice, stating that the investigation is methodical and that authorities must be careful and accurate in their approach.
The investigation has drawn resources from over a dozen law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Participating agencies include the Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Alabama Fusion Center, among others.
During a Tuesday press conference, Mayor Reed addressed recent statements from the Alabama Sheriff’s Association regarding gang problems in Montgomery. The association had posted that gangs often gather in small groups and venture out looking for confrontation with rival gangs. When asked about these comments, Graboys acknowledged that gangs are indeed a problem in Montgomery, noting that while law enforcement has long been aware of their presence, people previously were reluctant to discuss the issue openly.
Reed highlighted the city’s efforts to strengthen public safety, noting that the police department’s budget has increased from $44.6 million to nearly $60 million over the past decade. This funding has supported equipment modernization, surveillance infrastructure expansion, and a new communication system for the department. The mayor also mentioned his advocacy for stricter gun control measures, including opposition to the state’s permitless carry law that took effect in 2023.
Governor Kay Ivey announced that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency would expand patrol coverage in downtown Montgomery, with all available state assets being considered for deployment. City officials have established a reward fund totaling $50,000 for information leading to arrests, with Montgomery City Council President C.C. Calhoun indicating that the council may consider expanding the existing youth curfew citywide.
Authorities are urging anyone with video evidence or information about the shooting to contact the Montgomery Police Department. The investigation continues as five victims remain hospitalized in critical condition.
