Montgomery, Alabama, is reeling after a mass shooting late Saturday night in the city’s downtown entertainment district that left two people dead and 14 others injured. The incident has shaken a community known for its vibrant nightlife, transforming a bustling weekend scene into one marked by grief and disbelief.
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Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert confirmed that the suspected gunman, identified as teenager Jack Brown, was taken into custody early Sunday morning following an overnight manhunt. Authorities say Brown was located at a residence on the city’s east side and arrested without resistance. Investigators have not released a motive but noted the shooting may have stemmed from an altercation between groups of young people.
The attack unfolded around 11:45 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Dexter Avenue and Commerce Street — an area filled with restaurants, bars, and weekend crowds. Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire that sent people scrambling for cover.
“It was chaos. I heard at least twenty shots,” one witness said. “People were running in every direction, dropping to the ground and hiding behind cars. It was terrifying.”
Emergency crews responded within minutes, treating victims on-site and transporting 14 individuals to local hospitals. Two of the victims later died from their injuries, while several remain in critical condition. Officials have not yet released the names of those killed, pending notification of their families.
Mayor Steven Reed addressed the tragedy on Sunday morning, calling it “a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that should never happen in our city.” He vowed Montgomery would stand united in supporting the victims and finding justice.
As the community absorbed the news, churches and civic leaders organized prayer vigils across the city. Outside the crime scene, a makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes quickly grew — a symbol of both mourning and resilience.
Local leaders stressed the need to confront youth violence head-on. “We’re tired of losing young people to gun violence,” one pastor said at a vigil. “This cannot be who we are as a city. Parents, schools, and leaders must come together before it’s too late.”
The Montgomery Police Department is urging anyone with video, photos, or information from Saturday night to contact investigators or submit tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
As families grieve and survivors fight to recover, the shooting has underscored ongoing concerns over gun violence in Montgomery and across the nation. Authorities say further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.