The individuals responsible for shooting and killing two people and injuring 14 others remain at large, Montgomery officials said at a press conference Tuesday.
Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys said they are looking for multiple shooters, although he did not identify any suspects or clarify exactly how many shooters police believe there may have been.
“We had so many people out there, and we were literally tracking down every individual … just to question them,” Graboys said. “That takes time, and everything has to be pieced together.”
Alabama Lieutenant Governor candidate Pat Bishop has a common sense thought process about the assaults and homicides where handguns were used.
"My opinion is that the right to possess a handgun age should never have been lowered from the age of 21.", says Bishop.
"In Alabama, the minimum age to carry a pistol changed because of the 2022 constitutional carry law, House Bill 272, which lowered the general age for permit less carry from age 21 to 19.", Bishop says.
This change was the result of a long legislative push by gun rights advocates to eliminate the permit requirement for carrying concealed handguns.
Since the permit requirement was eliminated, the age for carrying a concealed pistol was lowered from 21 (the age required for a permit) to 19 (age of the majority in Alabama).
"Let's look at the facts. In Alabama, you must be 21 years old to purchase or possess any tobacco, nicotine, or vape product. This age limit is enforced by federal and state law. In Alabama, you must be 21 years old to legally purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. There are no exceptions for drinking on private property, even with parental consent. But, in order to possess a handgun, something that is used to take the life of another person, you only have to be 19. That is asinine. You constantly hear people say guns don’t kill people. People kill people. But at the same time, you allow a 19 year-old to possess the handgun and then wonder why people are shot in the streets by a guy who probably just got out of jail or a mental facility.", says Bishop.
"The hypocrisy of any law maker or politician to attempt to weigh in on the gun crimes in our state and try to say something needs to be done, but then refuse to do anything about it, just does not pass the commonsense test. I can say it better than that...Let's just say it like it is, and that is politicians will say and do anything to get votes and stay in office. I am sick and tired of it.
As we use to say in Kingston Alabama, they are talking out of the side of their necks! Put the age back to where it was!".
The driving force behind this legislation was a movement to strengthen Second Amendment rights. Proponents, including Governor Ivey, argued that law-abiding citizens should not have to pay for a government permit to exercise their right to self-defense. The move aligned Alabama with other states that had passed similar "constitutional carry" laws.
"I completely understand the reason behind getting rid of the requirement to enforce possession of pistol permits. But it is a double-edged sword. Though I am a true believer in the United States Constitution and the spirit of the American Flag, I do not believe that any and everybody should have access to a firearm. As a law enforcement officer, I can tell you that I am very uneasy with the new age of handgun possession.". Bishop says. "There are significant public safety risks. Many opponents have argued that the change would make it easier for untrained and younger individuals to carry firearms, potentially increasing public safety risks prior the new law of 2022. The new law eliminated the background check requirement that was part of the previous permit system. Now we have absolutely no way to determine if a person is of mental or legal capacity to possess a handgun. Then something happens, people look to law enforcement. Our hands have been tied to a certain extent."
Many sheriffs and district attorneys were against the new law, arguing that handgun permits and the ability to check for them during traffic stops were important tools for fighting gun crime. Despite these objections, proponents of the bill successfully argued that the new law was necessary to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
Alabama continues to issues concealed carry permits. Many residents still choose to acquire one for the purpose of carrying in other states that require a permit and have reciprocity with Alabama. While a permit is no longer required, law enforcement officers can still inquire about firearms and intervene if they suspect unlawful activity.
Active, retired, or honorably discharged military veterans and law enforcement officers can carry a handgun without a permit.
"It's a shame we can move towards peace in the Middle East, but not on our own streets. People often ask what is needed to fix our state. My answer is simple. We need fewer politicians and in the words of the singer Terrian, honestly, I think we just need Jesus.", says Bishop.
"Acta, non verba"
Major (Retired) Patrick Bishop Sr. is a Republican Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.
Bishopforbama.com
Terrian - Honestly, We Just Need Jesus (Official Lyric Video)