Montgomery has a "criminal gang problem," according to the Alabama Sheriffs Association.
Alabama Sheriffs Association executive director Huey "Hoss" Mack said in a statement on Monday after a recent deadly downtown Montgomery shootout, "First, our Association offers its sincere condolences and prayers for those who were killed or injured, and for their families, as a result of the senseless act that occurred in downtown Montgomery last Saturday night. Second, let's call it what it is: the City of Montgomery has a very serious violent crime problem."
"People don't feel safe within the city. I know—I lived in Montgomery for 12 months, up until last month. I lived downtown, just three blocks from where the most recent mass shooting occurred. At night, I could hear gunshots from my apartment. I could drive down the streets and smell marijuana coming from other vehicles. Many times, I found myself being overly observant of potential criminal activity and violent crime," Mack said.
"Montgomery has a criminal gang problem. Gangs often gather in small groups and venture out looking for confrontation with rival gangs. There exists a culture that emphasizes only addressing serious crimes, rather than enforcing the law comprehensively. So, for all the Alabamians who live outside the city of Montgomery—why should you care? Here's why: Montgomery is our State Capital, the home of the seven state Constitutional Officers, every state agency, and the Alabama Legislature. These are dedicated individuals who leave their families, jobs, and homes to make Alabama a better state. I wonder if these dedicated servants feel safe when they are there. Violent crime, street shootings, and robberies could impact the functionality of state government."
The shootout happened at the corner of Bibb and Commerce Street at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys said at a press conference after the incident that the shootout involved two parties shooting with a crowd in between.
Mack continued, "The time has come to address this pestilence head-on. I greatly appreciate the comments made by Governor Ivey and Attorney General Marshall. It's time to make Montgomery safe and turn the Capital City into one all Alabamians can be proud of. It is time for action, not denial."
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