Multiple gunmen opened fire in a large crowd in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, leaving at least two people dead, including a teenage boy, and wounding a dozen others, authorities said.
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys said gunfire erupted around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in the city's nightlife district. Police believe one of the victims was targeted but that several people began firing in the densely crowded area after initial shots rang out.
"One individual got targeted and then an exchange of gunfire took place,” he said. “When that exchange erupted, multiple people in the crowd ... pulled their own weapons and started discharging.”
Authorities identified the two dead victims as Jeremiah Morris, 17, and Shalanda Williams, 43. "In total, three victims remain in life-threatening condition, and nine sustained non-life-threatening injuries," said Montgomery Police Department Lt. Tina McGriff.
Seven of the victims are under 20 years of age, and the youngest is 16, Graboys said.