It has been two years since the infamous Montgomery Riverfront brawl. While those charged in the incident have received their sentences and likely moved on with their lives, the viral video of the incident continues to live on through social media.
The video inspired memes, folding chair humor — because a folding chair was used during the fight — and even stand-up comic skits nationwide.
The fight broke out after recreational boaters docked on the riverfront refused to move out of the way to allow the Harriott II riverboat to dock following a dinner cruise on Aug. 5, 2023.
The captain called out over a speaker, asking the boaters to move, to no avail. Co-captain Damien Pickett then attempted to move the boat himself, and an argument ensued. The unruly boaters then swarmed Pickett, starting the physical altercation. Other members of the Harriott II crew then jumped in on the action, causing an all-out brawl.
No one was seriously injured in the fight.
While the FBI, local police and the boat captain said there was no racial component to the brawl, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed incited a narrative picked up by multiple media outlets that the brawl was likely racially motivated. He said that as a black man in Montgomery, the incident seemed to be a “crime fueled by hate.”
Initially, 13 people were detained, but only five were charged.
Richard Roberts pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to 32 days in jail, 100 hours of community service and $714 in court costs and fines.
Mary Todd pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to undergo anger management and pay $357 in court costs and fines.
Zachery Shipman and Allen Rodd pleaded guilty to harassment and were charged with 100 hours of community service, as well as anger management. They were ordered to pay court costs and a $100 fine.
Reggie Ray pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to 90 days of suspended jail time, 50 hours of community service, and court costs totaling $357.
Since the incident, Montgomery has expanded its surveillance system, partnered with local businesses and added security measures surrounding the riverfront area.
A community walk was put together on the first anniversary of the brawl in 2024. Organizers said the walk was a symbol of how the community of Montgomery could come together. It is unclear if there will be a second anniversary event.
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