Montgomery Shooting Shatters a Weekend of Celebration
A night meant to celebrate HBCU tradition turned tragic late Saturday when gunfire erupted in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others during a weekend packed with events surrounding the historic Tuskegee University vs. Morehouse College Classic football game. The shooting broke out around 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Bibb Street and Commerce Street, an area crowded with thousands attending the Classic, the Alabama National Fair, and homecoming celebrations.
A Chaotic Scene in Downtown Montgomery
Montgomery Police say the violence appears to have started as a targeted attack on one individual before others in the crowd pulled out weapons, leading to a chaotic exchange of gunfire that sent people running for cover. Officers on patrol were reportedly within about 50 feet of where the incident began but were unable to stop it before dozens of rounds were fired. Multiple firearms were recovered, some equipped with high-capacity magazines.
Two Victims Lost and Several Young People Wounded
Authorities identified the victims who lost their lives as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams. Among the more than a dozen injured, seven are under the age of 20, highlighting the toll on young people who had come downtown to enjoy the festivities. Three remain in critical condition, and two of the wounded were juveniles—one still in life-threatening condition as of Sunday afternoon.
HBCU Rivalry Weekend Turns to Mourning
The tragedy struck just hours after crowds had cheered on the Tuskegee Golden Tigers and Morehouse Maroon Tigers in one of the most celebrated HBCU football rivalries, turning a day of pride and camaraderie into grief for students, alumni, and families.
Officials Pledge Justice and Increased Security
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed condemned the shooting as “senseless” and said the city is working with state leaders to bolster downtown security. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey vowed to send additional state resources and announced that patrols would be expanded around major events. Investigators from the Montgomery Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the ATF continue to search for those responsible and have announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to arrests.
Community Response and Call for Healing
Police Chief Jim Graboys pledged, “We will not rest until we put the people involved in jail,” noting that the presence of extended-magazine firearms underscores the need to curb illegal weapons in the community. The shooting has sparked calls from clergy, neighborhood leaders, and HBCU alumni groups for prayer vigils, anti-violence efforts, and better conflict-resolution programs as Montgomery mourns the loss of Morris and Williams. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Montgomery Police Department or CrimeStoppers. HBCU Buzz will continue following updates as the Tuskegee and Morehouse communities rally to support the victims’ families and those recovering from this devastating attack.