Reed opposes sending in the national guard after mass shooting in Montgomery tourist section

October 5, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL- Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed rejected calls to bring in the National Guard to regain control of the streets in the wake of what Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys called "a mass shooting event" at the corner of Bibb and Commerce Streets.

"As it relates to conversations about militarizing our streets, I am firmly against that, 100%," Mayor Reed told reporters.

The gun battle involving multiple shooters drawing weapons in a crowded area following a carnival in the city's tourism district. The shootout occurred in the street outside of the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center. The area is the city's convention and recreation district with the Biscuits Stadium, the Performing Arts Center, and the riverboat dock all within a hundred yards. Two people were killed and 14 people wounded in the shooting event. Many of the victims were just innocent bystanders. There was significant police presence in the area, but that did not deter the gunmen.

"If someone draws down with a police officer in plain sight a short distance away, I'm not sure they can be reacclimated to our society," said Chief Graboys.

"This is not acceptable. This is not normal," said Graboys. "We will not rest until we put the people involved in jail."

The city has put up a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of Saturday night's bloodbath. Crimestoppers has added their own $5,000 reward to that.

FBI, ATF, and federal Marshalls are assisting the City with the ongoing investigation.

President Donald J. Trump (R) has sent troops to Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Memphis, and Portland in an effort to restore order, protect federal property, and fight Antifa, drug cartels, anarchists, anti-ICE militants, and other threats to the safety and well being of the American people. Last week Trump told the nation's generals and admirals that the armed forces may be deployed in America's cities as "training" for troops. Saturday's spectacle of gunmen firing at each other on a crowded street increases the possibility that Montgomery may be the next destination for American ground troops deployment.

Reed's troubled tenure as Mayor has seen tremendous turnover in the Montgomery Police Department and he has fired multiple chiefs. Some state officials have been critical of Reed's handling of the situation.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) said on social media, ""Last night's events underscore, once again, that our capital city is in crisis. I continue to be troubled by the city leadership's stubborn refusal to acknowledge that they have a serious problem."

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) said, "I am deeply disturbed by what took place in Alabama's capital city last night. Crime has become too common in Montgomery, and this cannot continue. It's past time for city leadership to take responsibility and put an end to this. My prayers are with the victims and their families of last night's horrific shooting."

Congressman Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) – who represents the city in Cognress - said, "What happened in Montgomery last night is unacceptable, and I'm tired of it continuing in our communities. Two people are dead, and 14 people are injured because they were caught in the crosshairs of a senseless act of gun violence. These reckless shootings have to stop, and I am committed to working closely with the City of Montgomery and law enforcement to find and fund solutions to end gun violence. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families. Enough is enough."

Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) – who lives in Montgomery – said, "Wesley and I are heartbroken for our community and ask that you please join us in lifting up the victims and their families in prayer. I'm closely monitoring the ongoing investigation. Everyone responsible for this heinous, senseless violence must be brought to justice."

Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth (R) said on X, "Fourteen injured, two dead, and others clinging to life after a Saturday shooting in downtown Montgomery. Join me in asking God to bless the lost, heal the injured, and comfort those left behind. Local leaders must be willing to lead in order to stop the crime and violence."

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter said on X, "Praying for the victims of last night's senseless act of violence in Montgomery and for our law enforcement officers as they work to bring those responsible to justice. This community needs healing, and that begins with strong leadership."

Reed was defiant Sunday, "I don't need anybody lecturing me about crime. I've had a gun pointed at my face... I will never forget that, and these people last night will never forget what happened to them."

While Reed may oppose national guard troops being deployed to Montgomery it may not be his decision to make.

State Senator April Weaver (R-Briarfield) said on Facebook, "When a mass shooting occurs on the same block where dozens of lawmakers like me sleep when the Legislature is in session, it offers strong evidence that Montgomery leaders are powerless and have completely lost control. It's the same area where countless convention and conference attendees stay, as well, and if they abandon the city for safety concerns, the local economy goes into free fall. If current officials in Montgomery are incapable of keeping citizens safe, it's time for them to step aside and turn it over to those who can. President Trump may offer to send troops to restore safety in Montgomery, and the correct response would be "Yes, thank you!" but this mayor will likely act insulted. Don't be surprised if strong legislation forcing action and accountability is offered next session. My deepest sympathies go out to the victims and families affected by this senseless violence."

There is a significant federal presence in Montgomery with the city being home to Maxwell Air Force Base, 12,500 Air Force personnel are stationed in Montgomery. At this time we do not know if any of them or their families were among the victims. There is also a federal courthouse, FBI office, and more located in the city.

The Alabama Gazette officers are just two blocks from the site of Saturday night's gun violence.

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