Crime
Downtown Montgomery mass shooting victims identified
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Montgomery Police Department (MPD) is investigating a deadly overnight mass shooting that occurred late Saturday in downtown Montgomery, leaving two people dead and twelve others injured, including two juveniles.
According to MPD, officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots near Bibb Street and Commerce Street around 11:30 p.m.
When police arrived, they found numerous victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two individuals, including a woman identified by family members as Shalanda Williams, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim has been identified as Jeremiah Morris.
Both victims were remembered by loved ones as kind, community-minded individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
Among the 12 surviving victims, three remain in life-threatening condition, including one juvenile, while nine others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed condemned the shooting, calling it a “reckless and selfish act.”
“To have a heinous event like this take place prior to midnight in a busy part of our entertainment district is reckless and selfish,” Reed said. “You don’t care about your life? Go jump off a bridge. You don’t pull out a gun and shoot in a crowd of people.”
Police Chief Jim Graboys emphasized that the department will dedicate all available resources to apprehend those responsible.
“This is not acceptable. This is not normal,” Graboys said. “We will not rest until we put the people involved in jail.”
Chief Graboys noted that the incident does not appear to be a random mass shooting, but rather a confrontation between two groups who opened fire in a crowded area, endangering bystanders.
Mayor Reed confirmed that police units were stationed within 50 feet of both sides of the scene when the shooting erupted. He vowed that the suspects, once captured, would be “made an example of.”
The shooting occurred during a busy night in downtown Montgomery, as thousands of residents and visitors were in the area for several major events, including the Tuskegee–Morehouse Classic, the Alabama National Fair, and Alabama State University’s homecoming festivities.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement offering condolences to the victims and their families, while also expressing concern about violence in the state’s capital city.
“My deepest sympathies go out to all those affected by this senseless act,” Marshall said. “This tragedy underscores, once again, that our capital city is in crisis. I continue to be troubled by the city leadership’s refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem.”
MPD confirmed that multiple individuals have been brought in for questioning in connection with the case. It remains unclear whether any of those individuals are considered suspects at this time.
Detectives have recovered several firearms believed to have been used in the shooting, some equipped with high-capacity magazines.
Authorities are actively reviewing witness statements, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage from the area.
“Detectives are actively pursuing leads and reviewing evidence,” MPD said in a statement. “We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be critical to helping investigators identify those responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Montgomery Police Department at 334-625-2831 or reach out anonymously to Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into tragedy when gunfire erupted during Homecoming festivities at Lincoln University, one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Saturday evening shooting left one person dead and six others injured, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a weekend of pride and unity.
Officials have identified the deceased victim as 25-year-old Jujuan Jeffers of Wilmington, Delaware, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities confirmed that all six surviving victims—aged between 20 and 25 years old—are expected to recover.
In a Sunday afternoon update, officials named 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson as one of the suspects involved in the shooting.
He is currently being held at the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail, charged with carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
Authorities emphasized that current evidence does not suggest the suspects attended the event with the intent to carry out a mass shooting.
Instead, investigators believe the violence stemmed from a dispute or altercation that escalated into gunfire.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center, where a tailgate celebration was taking place following Lincoln University’s Homecoming football game.
The area was filled with tents, tables, and students celebrating the evening when chaos suddenly erupted.
“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU,” said University Police Chief Marc Partee. “Devastated. If there was another word to describe that, one more impactful, I would use it — but devastated is a start.”
Lincoln University officials have announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, October 27, designating the day as one of “healing and reflection.” Plans for a remembrance event honoring Jujuan Jeffers are underway.
Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities strongly believe multiple shooters were involved.
K-9 units are assisting in evidence collection, and forensic teams are processing what remains a large and active crime scene.
Investigators are conducting witness interviews and reviewing extensive surveillance and cellphone video footage.
Anyone with video evidence, no matter how minor it may seem, is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI to receive a secure upload link for submission.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate with local and federal partners to piece together the sequence of events and determine all parties involved.
Officials have assured the community that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional verified updates will be released as they become available.