The Montgomery City Council convened on October 7, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding gun violence and community safety. The meeting began with remarks from the mayor, who highlighted the city's ongoing commitment to the Together We Rise initiative, which treats gun violence as a public health crisis. The mayor emphasized the importance of prevention, intervention, and community engagement in addressing this issue.
A significant focus of the discussion was the city's investment of $375,000 in advanced weaponry aimed at countering illegal Glock switches. The mayor noted the city's advocacy for legislation to ban these devices and to require reporting of lost and stolen firearms. Additionally, he expressed concerns regarding state preemption laws that restrict local gun control measures and mentioned his involvement with a bipartisan group of mayors advocating for the revocation of permitless carry laws in Alabama.
The mayor shared personal experiences with gun violence, recounting recent incidents near his home, including a homicide just a block away. He stressed the need for continuous improvement in community safety, stating that one life lost is too many. He acknowledged the current climate of fear and the necessity for residents to feel safe in their city.
In his closing remarks, the mayor reaffirmed the city's commitment to collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, including local, state, and federal partners, to enhance safety measures. He expressed gratitude to the city council for their support in budgetary matters and community engagement efforts.
Following the mayor's address, Chief Grayboys took the floor to provide further updates and factual information regarding ongoing efforts to combat gun violence. The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from the press, signaling an open dialogue with the community on these critical issues.