A mass shooting erupted in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday night, October 4, 2025, leaving two people dead and 12 others wounded when multiple gunmen opened fire into a crowded nightlife district around 11:30 p.m.
The victims who died were identified as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams, both believed to be from Montgomery. Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys confirmed that five of the wounded victims remain in critical condition as of Tuesday, October 7, while seven others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooting began when one individual was targeted, prompting what Graboys described as an exchange of gunfire. When that initial confrontation erupted, multiple people in the crowd drew their own weapons and began shooting. The police chief noted that Graboys characterized the situation, stating the shooters “did not care about the people around them when they did it.”
Seven of the shooting victims are under age 20, with the youngest being 16 years old. At least two of the wounded individuals were among those who had weapons during the incident, though authorities have not yet determined how many victims were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
The gunfire occurred during a particularly busy weekend in Montgomery’s tourist district. The city was hosting multiple events, including the Alabama National Fair, Alabama State University’s homecoming weekend, and the HBCU Classic Weekend. A football game between Tuskegee University and Morehouse College had just concluded at nearby Cramton Bowl. City officials emphasized that the shooting was unrelated to any of the weekend festivities.
Police officers were positioned within 50 feet of the incident when the shooting began. Responding officers rushed at least one victim to the hospital and took multiple people into investigative custody, including several who were armed. Authorities recovered multiple weapons from the scene, all of which had high magazine capacities according to Graboys.
Morris, the teenage victim, was remembered fondly by his school community. McIntyre Comprehensive Academy described him on Facebook as a remarkable student who served as Mr. Star Academy for 2024-2025, was a two-time Student of the Month recipient, and a Student of the Year nominee. School officials noted his warm smile, gentle spirit, and ability to light up any room.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, though Graboys indicated the investigation has developed strong leads and multiple persons of interest. The police chief expressed confidence that perpetrators would be brought to justice, describing the probe as large and complex due to the number of people involved.
More than a dozen law enforcement agencies are collaborating on the investigation, including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery District Attorney’s Office. Graboys described the incoming information as being like a firehose worth of data that investigators must independently process.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and City Council President Cornelius Calhoun pledged a combined $50,000 reward for information leading to arrests, in addition to a $5,000 reward offered through Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. Reed highlighted recent investments in public safety, noting the police department budget increased from $44.6 million a decade ago to $59 million this year.
The shooting has renewed focus on gang activity in Montgomery. The Alabama Sheriff’s Association released a statement Monday claiming the city has a criminal gang problem, suggesting gangs gather in small groups seeking confrontation with rivals. When asked about these comments, Graboys acknowledged that gangs exist and are problematic, but expressed confidence that partnerships with state and federal agencies could help address gang violence.
Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Alabama Law Enforcement Agency would expand patrol presence in downtown Montgomery, with all available state assets under consideration. Reed indicated his office would coordinate with the governor’s office within 24 to 48 hours regarding additional state support.
City Council President Calhoun announced that the council would consider expanding the existing curfew for those 17 and under to be citywide. Authorities continue reviewing surveillance footage and social media videos while urging anyone with information or video evidence to contact police.