Montgomery Mass Shooting: 2 Killed, 12 Hurt in Rival Shootout
Introduction to the Incident
FILE – A police car at night alongside a road with emergency lights flashing. Getty Images
Two people were killed and 12 others were hurt Saturday night during a shootout in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. Police were still combing through evidence and interviewing potential suspects Sunday. Here’s what’s known about the shooting:
Montgomery Mass Shooting
Details of the Shooting
What they’re saying: "This was two parties involved that were basically shooting at each other in the middle of a crowd," Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys told reporters near the scene. The shooters, he said, "did not care about the people around them when they did it." He described it as a mass shooting.
Facts About the Shooting
What we know: Police were called around 11:30 p.m. Saturday to a crowded downtown nightlife district. The shooting began when someone targeted one of the 14 victims, prompting multiple people to pull their own weapons and start firing back, Graboys said. Two people were killed in the shooting, and 12 others were injured. Those killed were a 43-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male. Seven of the 14 victims were under 20, and the youngest was 16, Graboys said. Five of the wounded were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, including a juvenile, Montgomery police said.
Unknown Aspects of the Shooting
What we don’t know: Police didn’t have information yet about the suspected shooters. It was also not clear yet how many people had fired or what kinds of weapons had been used. Exact ages and identities of the victims were also not yet given.
Local Perspective on the Shooting
Local perspective: It was a particularly busy weekend in Montgomery, with Alabama State University’s homecoming football game that day at Hornet Stadium, the Alabama National Fair ongoing at Garrett Coliseum and the Tuskegee University-Morehouse College rivalry football game having just ended at nearby Cramton Bowl. Police patrols were nearby when the shooting began. One officer was so quick to arrive on the scene that he transported a victim to the hospital before an ambulance arrived, Graboys said.
Conclusion
The Montgomery mass shooting is a tragic event that highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent such incidents. The fact that two parties were involved and shooting at each other in a crowded area, without regard for the safety of those around them, is particularly disturbing. As the investigation continues, it is essential to identify the root causes of this violence and work towards finding solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
Q: How many people were killed in the Montgomery mass shooting?
A: Two people were killed in the shooting, a 43-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male.
Q: How many people were injured in the shooting?
A: 12 people were injured, with 5 of them having life-threatening injuries.
Q: What was the nature of the shooting?
A: The shooting was described as a mass shooting, involving two parties shooting at each other in a crowded downtown nightlife district.
Q: Were the police able to respond quickly to the incident?
A: Yes, police patrols were nearby when the shooting began, and one officer was able to transport a victim to the hospital before an ambulance arrived.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with police still combing through evidence and interviewing potential suspects.
