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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA<\/a>) – Following Saturday night\u2019s mass shooting in Montgomery\u2019s entertainment district<\/b><\/a>,<\/b> Montgomery residents, city leaders, and state leaders reacted to a chaotic and tragic end to what started as a night of celebration.<\/p>\n Within minutes of the incident, Montgomery police officers, state Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, medical responders, Mayor steven Reed, and several city councilmembers arrived at the scene to offer help, speak with the media and gather information. <\/p>\n REACTION POURS IN<\/b><\/p>\n WSFA 12 News talked with Brandon Burnham, the owner of Paradigm Lounge, which is near the scene of the mass shooting.<\/p>\n \u201cI was in the office when everything happened,\u201d he explained. \u201cI just heard a ton of shots, people started running inside Paradigm, even in the office where I was. I couldn\u2019t even count how many shots it was, but quite a few.\u201d<\/p>\n Burnham said there were people running, \u201cunfortunately, people laid out on the sidewalk, people trying to resuscitate.\u201d<\/p>\n ATTORNEY GENERAL REACTS<\/b><\/p>\n Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement that offered his \u201cdeepest sympathies\u201d to the victims. He also said the mass shooting \u201cunderscore, once again, that our capital city is in crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n Marshall added, \u201cI continue to be troubled by the city leadership\u2019s stubborn refusal to acknowledge that they have a serious problem.\u201d<\/p>\n MAYOR REED RESPONDS TO AG MARSHALL<\/b><\/p>\n During an hour-long press conference Sunday afternoon, Mayor Reed responded to AG Marshall\u2019s statement saying that city leaders have acknowledged that the issue of gun violence is a very serious one.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you look at our budget. If you look at the amount of money we\u2019ve put into technology, that we have put into first responders, bringing in the best and brightest for our law enforcement, working with faith leaders and grassroots nonprofits, intervention programs […] I don\u2019t how one could really make that statement after seeing what we\u2019ve been doing here over the last six years,\u201d the mayor said. <\/p>\n The mayor went a step further saying that what the city needs is solutions, not \u201csideline commentary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s real easy to sit back watching college football and talk about something you don\u2019t know about,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n The mayor also said he would be happy to work with the Attorney General and show him what the city has been working on, emphasizing the importance of collaborating on things like bond reform, carrying without permits, and other issues that would require action by lawmakers at the state level. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had a gun pointed at my face,\u201d Mayor Reed added, \u201cI\u2019ll never forget it, and these people will never forget what happened to them last night. I don\u2019t need that type of sideline commentary from the state\u2019s top law enforcement officer, what I need are solutions.\u201d <\/p>\n MONTGOMERY CITY COUNCILORS REACT<\/b><\/p>\n Montgomery City Councilmember Julie Turner Beard said in a Facebook post Sunday that \u201cmass shooting\u201d and \u201cMontgomery\u201d are two words that should never go together, adding that she was sad and angry over what she called a senseless act of violence. <\/p>\n District 7 Councilman Andrew Szymanski also took to social media to express condolences for the victims, their families and all those who were involved. <\/p>\n Szymanski noted in his statement that the incident happened in the midst of what should have been a great weekend for the city of Montgomery.<\/p>\n Councilwoman Marche Jackson said she, along with several other council members went to the scene the moment she knew what had happened.<\/p>\n The councilwoman also shared some resources for family guidance and victims services in Montgomery. <\/p>\n SENATOR KATIE BRITT REACTS<\/b><\/p>\n Alabama US Senator Katie Britt shared a post on X saying, \u201cWesley and I are heartbroken for community and ask that you please join us in lifting up the victims and their families in prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n Wesley and I are heartbroken for our community and ask that you please join us in lifting up the victims and their families in prayer.<\/p>\n I\u2019m closely monitoring the ongoing investigation. Everyone responsible for this heinous, senseless violence must be brought to justice.\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/center><\/div>\n<\/div>\n This story will be updated as we hear from more local and state officials. <\/p>\n Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the <\/i>Apple App Store<\/i><\/a> and the <\/i>Google Play Store<\/i><\/a>! <\/i><\/p>\n Copyright 2025 WSFA. All rights reserved.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n