Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed thinks he can convince his city’s residents that they are “significantly safer” now because of his administration.
This claim comes just two months after a mass shooting in downtown Montgomery killed two people and wounded 12 others.
During Mayor Reed’s monthly media availability, he emphasized what he called the city’s continued progress in reducing crime. His office then posted about it on social media.
The post caused considerable backlash from city residents who say they still don’t feel safe where they live and work.
Resident Emily Taylor posted a comment on the post saying, “Wake up! I don’t need him saying anything to KNOW the truth. Check out Nextdoor, Neighborhood groups, go to the hospitals. Your citizens are witnessing first hand the TRUTH!”
While crime has gone down some in Alabama’s capital city, the area is still seeing major problems relative to other cities across the state.
It also should be noted that any progress that has been made can be credited to Montgomery Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who helped head the MACS Unit, said the city is still in crisis, and blasted the city’s leadership for not recognizing the problem.
“These events underscore, once again, that our capital city is in crisis,” Marshall said. “Though the blame lies with those who carelessly pulled the triggers, I continue to be troubled by the city leadership’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge that they have a serious problem.”
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who is also running for Alabama Governor in 2026, recently said the city is like a “war zone.”
“Alabamians deserve to feel safe in our capital city, and right now this is not the case,” Tuberville said. “There were more than 61 homicides in Montgomery last year. Folks, this cannot continue. We’re not going to allow it. We’re going to make downtown Montgomery a safe zone.”
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
