“You Can’t Fix Stupid”: Governor Kay Ivey vows state action after deadly Montgomery mass shooting
Alabama’s Governor vowed to take action in the state and the city of Montgomery following a deadly mass shooting that left two dead and 12 injured Saturday.
The incident occurred near Commerce and Bibb streets around 11:30 P.M. on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Police said Sunday that 14 people were shot, including two people who died, identified as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalonda Morris.
Of the 14, five received life-threatening injuries. while seven received non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said at least seven of the victims were under the age of 20, with the youngest victim being 16.
Montgomery Police Chief Graboys said the shooting involved two parties that were shooting at each other in the middle of the crowd, which resulted in others pulling out their guns. Multiple shell casings and guns were located at the scene, with at least two of the victims having guns.
Governor Kay Ivey issued a statement Monday morning — less than 48 hours after the masa shooting saying, “Alabamians lost their lives at the hands of thugs in downtown Montgomery this weekend.”
“This simply should not be happening in our Capital City or anywhere in our state for that matter,” Ivey said. “Any and all involved must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens.”
“We — the state — have previously and continue to take steps to target the crime in Montgomery, which has ranged from us deploying our MACS Unit to passing new laws. Unfortunately, you can’t fix stupid. It is clear that to have a safe Montgomery, it is going to take more than these steps,” she said. “Over the last day, I have had continued discussions on what more can be done. That discussion continues and a resolution will not happen overnight, but we will be taking a few additional immediate steps.”
Governor Ivey said she is raising additional steps to deter crime in Montgomery, including expanding patrol areas for Capitol Troopers, requesting more resources from the Legislature for state law enforcement in Montgomery, and reviewing alcohol licensing rules, especially for high-traffic areas and events after 5 p.m.
“Montgomery is a special place filled with history, great potential and a strong community of people. There is too much at stake here, and as a longtime resident of Montgomery myself, I cannot stand by and allow this to continue,” Governor Kay Ivey said.
No arrests have been made by local, state, and federal investigators.
A $50,000 reward is being offered for any information regarding the case. Police say their investigation remains laser-focused.
If you have any information, you are urged to contact Montgomery Police at (334) 625-2831 or Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867). If you have any videos or photos that you can provide to the Montgomery Police Department, you are urged to email them to [email protected].
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