Montgomery Mass Shooting Sparks Renewed Debate Over Handgun Laws as Bishop Calls for Age Reform

MONTGOMERY, AL - Four suspects have now been arrested in connection with the October 4 mass shooting in Montgomery that left two people dead and 12 others injured. The arrests have intensified scrutiny of Alabama's gun laws, particularly the 2022 constitutional carry legislation that lowered the age for permitless handgun possession from 21 to 19.

Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys confirmed the arrests during a series of press briefings, noting that investigators believe multiple shooters were involved. "We had so many people out there, and we were literally tracking down every individual ... just to question them," Graboys said. "That takes time, and everything has to be pieced together."

The victims killed in the shooting were 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams, both of Montgomery. Seven of the injured were under the age of 20, with the youngest just 16 years old. The suspects arrested include:

• Kemontae Hood, 21, charged with capital murder, nine counts of first-degree assault, and three counts of second-degree assault.

• Dantavious McGhee, 19, facing identical charges.

• Javorick Whiting, 19, charged with attempted murder. Whiting was released on bond, prompting criticism from law enforcement officials.

• An unnamed juvenile male, also charged with capital murder and multiple counts of assault.

The arrests have reignited debate over Alabama's 2022 constitutional carry law, House Bill 272, which eliminated the requirement for a concealed carry permit and lowered the age for handgun possession from 21 to 19. Among those speaking out is Major (Ret.) Patrick Bishop Sr., a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor and former law enforcement officer.

"My opinion is that the right to possess a handgun age should never have been lowered from the age of 21," Bishop said. "Let's look at the facts. In Alabama, you must be 21 years old to purchase or possess any tobacco, nicotine, or vape product. You must be 21 to legally purchase or consume alcohol. But to possess a handgun-something that can take a life-you only have to be 19. That is asinine."

Bishop's remarks reflect growing concern among law enforcement professionals and community leaders who argue that the law has made it easier for younger, untrained individuals to carry firearms without oversight. "You constantly hear people say guns don't kill people, people kill people," Bishop said. "But at the same time, you allow a 19-year-old to possess the handgun and then wonder why people are shot in the streets by a guy who probably just got out of jail or a mental facility."

The constitutional carry law was championed by gun rights advocates and supported by Governor Kay Ivey, who argued that law-abiding citizens should not have to pay for a government permit to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The law aligned Alabama with other states that have passed similar legislation.

"I completely understand the reason behind getting rid of the requirement to enforce possession of pistol permits," Bishop said. "But it is a double-edged sword. Though I am a true believer in the United States Constitution and the spirit of the American Flag, I do not believe that any and everybody should have access to a firearm."

Bishop emphasized the public safety risks associated with the law's removal of background checks. "Now we have absolutely no way to determine if a person is of mental or legal capacity to possess a handgun," he said. "Then something happens, people look to law enforcement. Our hands have been tied to a certain extent."

Many sheriffs and district attorneys opposed the law, arguing that handgun permits and the ability to check for them during traffic stops were important tools for fighting gun crime. Despite these objections, proponents of the bill successfully argued that the new law was necessary to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

Alabama continues to issue concealed carry permits, and many residents still choose to acquire one for the purpose of carrying in other states that require a permit and have reciprocity with Alabama. While a permit is no longer required, law enforcement officers can still inquire about firearms and intervene if they suspect unlawful activity. Active, retired, or honorably discharged military veterans and law enforcement officers can carry a handgun without a permit.

Bishop's critique extended beyond policy into political culture. "The hypocrisy of any lawmaker or politician to attempt to weigh in on the gun crimes in our state and try to say something needs to be done just does not pass the commonsense test," he said. "Let's just say it like it is-politicians will say and do anything to get votes and stay in office. I am sick and tired of it."

He added, "As we used to say in Kingston, Alabama, they are talking out of the side of their necks! Put the age back to where it was!"

Bishop's campaign has focused on law enforcement reform, public safety, and restoring what he calls "common sense" to state government. "People often ask what is needed to fix our state," he said. "My answer is simple. We need fewer politicians-and in the words of the singer Terrian, honestly, I think we just need Jesus."

As the investigation into the Montgomery shooting continues, officials urge anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP or the Montgomery Police Department at 334-625-2831.

Bishop faces a crowded GOP primary field that includes: Secretary of State Wes Allen, economic developer Nicole Jones Wadsworth, former quarterback A.J. McCarron, George Childress, and Ag. Commissioner Rick Pate.

The Republican primary is on May 19.