Montgomery leaders say investigation into downtown mass shooting is ongoing; police report persons of interest, multiple shooters

Montgomery Mayor, speaking at a press update, said city and law-enforcement partners are pursuing a full investigation into the mass shooting that began about 11:31 p.m. Saturday and that officials will “push for maximum accountability, regardless how long this takes.”

Police Chief Grayboys told reporters the Montgomery Police Department and partner agencies have developed persons of interest and believe “there are multiple shooters involved,” but he declined to give an exact number while investigators analyze video and witness testimony. He called the case “top priority” and said investigators are “200% committed.”

Why it matters: The mayor and police described a broad, multiagency response involving local, state and federal partners and said the investigation is large and methodical. Officials also described recent city investments in policing and technology that they say support response and investigations. City leaders said they are weighing short-term public-safety measures, including a possible citywide curfew downtown.

Chief Grayboys said investigators have “strong leads” and that detectives are working with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery District Attorney’s Office, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama Fusion Center and Central Alabama Crime Stoppers. “Their continued collaboration and assistance demonstrates the strength of our shared goal,” Grayboys said.

Grayboys provided an updated count of victims: five people remain in life-threatening condition and seven have non-life-threatening injuries. He urged anyone with information to contact Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 2150 or the Montgomery Police Department at 625-2831, saying, “Every piece of information helps move this investigation forward.”

Mayor remarks and city investments: The mayor thanked residents, business owners and downtown merchants who provided tips and video. He outlined recent and planned city spending for public safety: a 15% raise for Montgomery Police Department officers approved in fiscal 2025 and a 5% cost-of-living increase for other city employees; fiscal 2026 funding to replace the city’s community communications system and to expand surveillance infrastructure; an increase in the police budget from about $44,600,000 a decade ago to $59,000,000 this year; roughly a 40% raise in police pay since 2019; nearly $10,000,000 invested in equipment modernization such as patrol vehicles, tasers, AEDs, K-9s, mobile data terminals and surveillance technology; and $375,000 allocated to counter illegal Glock switches. The mayor also said he has joined bipartisan mayors in urging the revocation of the state’s permitless-carry law and criticized state preemption limits on local gun control.

Discussion, public-safety measures and partnerships: City leaders said they have been in contact with the governor’s office and expect a call in the next 24 to 48 hours. Council members and staff are discussing a downtown curfew and possible measures to hold parents accountable for unsupervised minors; officials said proposals would be taken to the city council for consideration. Grayboys and the mayor emphasized existing and expanding collaboration with state and federal partners and with community groups and said work with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency units has been ongoing for more than a year.

Investigation scope and timeline: Both officials stressed the investigation’s complexity. Grayboys said leads are arriving “like a fire hose” and that evidence must be processed independently to build a prosecutable case. “We have to be careful and we have to be right,” he said. He added that when investigators have completed their analysis they will provide a full breakdown.

What officials would not say: Authorities declined to provide specifics about the number of shooters or identities of persons of interest while the investigation is active. The mayor and chief said operational details are being withheld to avoid compromising the inquiry.

Next steps: Officials said the investigation will continue with city, county, state and federal partners and that updates will be released “as they develop.” The city is reviewing possible curfew options and other short-term measures and will present proposals to the council for formal consideration.