Montgomery Mayor Responds Strongly to Attorney General’s Crime Criticism After Mass Shooting: ‘I Don’t Need Lectures’

At a press conference following a tragic shootout in downtown Montgomery, Mayor Steven Reed responded to criticism from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Marshall claimed Montgomery’s leaders aren’t acknowledging a crisis of violence in the city.

Reed fired back, stating, “If the attorney general wants to discuss what we’ve been doing, I’m open to that.” He emphasized that his focus is on the crime’s impact, recalling his own frightening experiences with gun violence.

This recent shootout resulted in two deaths and 12 injuries. Tragically, the deaths came just weeks after five people were killed in separate violent incidents in Montgomery. So far, this year has seen 52 homicides, a concerning jump from previous years.

The shooting occurred at about 11:30 p.m. in a busy part of downtown, drawing large crowds due to two college football games. The police confirmed that among the victims were seven individuals under 20 years old.

Police Chief James Graboys indicated that at least two of the shooters had firearms, and he noted that the incident may have targeted one individual. He stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

As discussions about public safety increase, several officials have pointed out the need for stronger measures. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth called for local leaders to step up in addressing rising crime rates. Morgan Murphy, a former Trump administration official running for U.S. Senate, even suggested deploying the National Guard in Montgomery.

However, Mayor Reed firmly opposed this idea, stating, “That’s not where our National Guard should be.” He believes local police are better suited to handle these situations.

Reed also proposed revisiting laws concerning gun permits, suggesting adjustments to keep dangerous individuals off the streets. “We need to ensure that reckless criminals don’t walk among us,” he said.

The community’s reaction has been one of shock and anger. Many residents voice their dissatisfaction with violence becoming a norm in their city. A broad consensus is forming that change is necessary to restore peace.

In a recent survey, over 70% of Montgomery residents expressed feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods. As the community grapples with these challenges, Reed reminded everyone, “We can’t accept violence as part of our daily lives.”

It’s clear that further discussions and actions are essential to tackle this escalating violence and ensure safety for all. For more detailed data on crime trends, you can check out FBI’s Crime Statistics.

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