
Two people were killed and 12 others injured in a chaotic gunfight between rival groups in Montgomery, Alabama, late Saturday night, police said. The deadly confrontation unfolded in a crowded nightlife district during a busy weekend that included Alabama State University’s homecoming, the Alabama National Fair, and a nearby college football rivalry game.
The fatalities included a 43-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male. Of the 14 victims, five sustained life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized, including a juvenile. Seven of the victims were under 20, with the youngest reported as 16. Police noted that at least two of the victims were armed and that the shooting began when one of them was targeted.
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys described the scene as a “mass shooting” and said the shooters “did not care about the people around them when they did it.” Officers on routine patrol were within earshot of the gunfire when the shooting erupted around 11:30 p.m.
Graboys explained that multiple parties exchanged fire in the middle of the crowd, prompting others to draw their weapons. Multiple firearms and shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Mayor Steven Reed condemned the attack, saying the shooters “had no regard for human life,” despite police units being within 50 feet of the incident.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and tracking potential suspects. As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made. Graboys emphasized that investigators are committed to gathering every piece of evidence to hold those responsible accountable.
(With AP inputs)