SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MOBILE, Ala. — In the wake of a tragic shooting during a children’s dance recital, State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) is calling for the repeal of Alabama’s permitless carry law, pledging to spearhead a municipal-led campaign for statewide gun reform if elected mayor.
“If elected mayor, I will spearhead an effort by cities to demand the legislature repeal the open carry law and empower municipalities to ban guns in public areas,” Drummond said in a statement to AL.com. “It is common sense to save innocent lives.”
Her comments come after a deadly shooting Sunday at the Saenger Theater, where over 1,000 people, including families and children, gathered to enjoy a youth dance recital. According to Mobile police, 27-year-old Marcus Sanders allegedly shot and killed Carl Williams III, also 27, following an altercation inside the crowded venue. Sanders is now charged with murder and first-degree assault and remains held at Mobile Metro Jail.
Drummond, who opposed the permitless carry law when it passed in 2022, says this latest incident demonstrates the “urgent need for stronger measures against gun violence.” The law, which went into effect January 1, 2023, eliminated the requirement for Alabamians to obtain a permit, complete training, or undergo a background check to carry a concealed handgun, as long as they’re not otherwise barred by law.
Alabama sheriffs, including Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch, previously voiced concerns about the law, urging legislators to revisit provisions for individuals under 21 amid rising gun-related incidents.
While other candidates in the Mobile mayoral race also issued statements condemning violence, Drummond was the only one to directly call for a repeal of the state law.
Jermaine Burrell, a former Mobile City Councilman, emphasized the root causes of gun violence — including poverty, trauma, and lack of investment in youth.
“We don’t need more speeches. We need leadership that’s willing to do the hard work to protect our kids and heal our city,” Burrell said.
Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson focused her response on law enforcement support and stricter penalties.
“Our laws must send a clear and unequivocal message: violence will not be tolerated,” she said. “I will continue to work closely with law enforcement and lawmakers to strengthen enforcement and close loopholes.”
Former judge Spiro Cheriogotis and former police chief Lawrence Battiste also denounced the shooting, calling it “infuriating” and pledging action to rid the city of violent crime.
As the race for Mobile mayor heats up, gun reform has now moved to the center of the debate, with public safety, community trauma, and legislative accountability taking priority in the wake of yet another public tragedy.