MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and other state leaders are taking action following a deadly mass shooting in Montgomery over the weekend that left two people dead and 12 others injured.
Officials said all options are on the table when it comes to deterring crime in Montgomery.
“Just awful,” Ivey said. “No excuse for it. Just absolutely awful.”
Ivey said she is asking the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to extend the patrol areas for capitol troopers. That’s in addition to using the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, which consists of a coalition of state and local law enforcement. She is also asking the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to review laws for businesses in Montgomery selling alcohol after 5 p.m.
“All state assets are being evaluated to see what we can do more to prevent such things from happening in our capital city,” Ivey said.
“It’s imperative that we keep the capital city safe,” Ivey continued.
But Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said the capital city is safe, and it’s not about the location of the crime, but the people who were involved. He said the state should require people to have a permit to carry a firearm.
“We have to make sure that from our standpoint, we send a strong message–a direct message–that this is not acceptable,” Reed said. “And if you do it in our city, you’re going to pay a heavy price. You’re going to pay a heavy price, and the public’s going to be aware of it.”
On social media, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-AL, said crime has become too common in Montgomery. Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl is calling for assistance from the Trump administration.
State Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Birmingham, agreed with Reed that permitless carry in the state has elevated crime.
“It actually gives too much access,” Sellers said. “There has to be some checks and balances. Some control.”
As for assistance from the federal government, Sellers said there’s a difference between local policing and what the military handles.
“Cartoon-created kind of images that people have when they think ‘You bring the military in just to control or patrol the streets,’” Sellers said. “It’s not that kind of war.”
Ivey said Montgomery is a special place filled with history, great potential and a strong community of people.
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