Mobile shocked after a shooting at a Sunday night dance recital

June 2, 2025 - MOBILE, AL - One person was killed and another was wounded at a Sunday night dance recital. The shooting occurred at downtown Mobile's Saenger Theatre. A suspect has been arrested and charged with murder.

The Mobile Police Department said that officers responded to the shooting at approximately 6:30 p.m. Sunday night. There they found two victims who had been hit by gunfire.

One man was pronounced deceased. The other was taken to a local hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening. The victim, Carl Williams III, age 27, was pronounced dead at the scene. The accused gunman is Marcu Sanders. Sanders and Williams were involved in an argument inside the building during the children's dance recital.

Police say that Sanders then pulled a gun and shot Williams. The second victim was shot by a stray bullet in the ankle. Williams was the father of one of the dancers in the recital. Sanders fled the scene before the police arrived. He has since turned himself in.

Police Chief William Jackson described Sanders' action at the recital as "Despicable."

Mayor Sandy Stimpson released a statement on Monday.

"It is shocking that anyone would bring a loaded gun to a child's dance recital - and even more unimaginable that someone would fire a weapon in a crowded theater, just feet from where young children were performing on stage. There is no conflict, dispute, or disagreement worth putting so many people at risk or subjecting children to such lasting trauma. It's sickening."

"Yesterday's event brought together an incredibly talented group of young dancers and performers, whose skills have been shaped by the passionate and caring teachers at Danze 101," Stimpson continued. "Those children should be celebrating an amazing performance today, not dealing with the aftermath of witnessing a fatal shooting. Please keep the family of Carl Williams in your prayers, as well as the Danze 101 students and teachers and everyone impacted by this tragic event."

Stimpson said that there will be enhanced security measures at future events at Saenger.

"We have been in close contact with our management partner, Oak View Group, to discuss the security measures that were in place last night," said Mayor Stimpson. "Magnetometers and hand-held metal detectors are used at all public, ticketed events at the Saenger Theatre. During private events, like the recital last night, the use of these devices is determined on a case-by-case basis. All events at the Saenger Theater and Mobile Convention Center will require additional security screening moving forward as we continue to work with OVG to review our policies and procedures. We are exploring every option, including investing in additional security measures and tools, to ensure that both public and private events hosted at city facilities are safe and secure."

The event has roiled the Mobile Mayor's race already.

Mayoral candidate Connie Hudson released a statement regarding the Saenger Theatre shooting.

"The tragic and deadly shooting at the Saenger Theater during a children's dance recital last night is a devastating reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence in our community. Our deepest condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. When elected Mayor, it will be my top priority to ensure that Mobile's children and families are safe from these senseless acts. No parent should ever have to have to fear for their child's safety at a public event, and we must act decisively to prevent these tragedies from happening again. I am committed to advocating for and enforcing even tougher laws and stricter penalties for gun violence at public events. Our laws must send a clear and unequivocal message: Violence will not be tolerate and those who endanger our citizens will face the harshest consequences. As a county commissioner, I have always stood with our law enforcement, supported their request for additional funding, and insisted that the state provide their share of the funding. I will continue to work closely with law enforcement, lawmakers, and community organizations to strengthen enforcement, close loopholes, and ensure our policies reflect the seriousness of these crimes. Working together we can build a safer community for our families."