New Legislation in Alabama Aims to Deter Public Shootings
In the wake of several public shootings in Mobile, Alabama, newly elected Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced a significant legislative initiative aimed at addressing the rise of violence in public spaces. The push follows a tragic shooting at the Saenger Theatre on June 1 that left one dead and others injured during a child’s dance recital.
Blackwood emphasized the importance of new legal measures, stating, "For the hundreds to thousands of people who live in fear because of these public shootings, this will give us a tool to stop it." The proposed bill, HB20, introduced by state Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, seeks to expand the definition of capital murder to include cases where defendants "knowingly create a great risk of death" to multiple individuals. This legislation would give prosecutors a more formidable tool to hold individuals accountable for mass shootings that could injure many.
Currently, Alabama’s capital murder laws encompass various scenarios, including murders committed in the context of violent crimes such as robberies or assaults. HB20 aims to close gaps in the existing law by specifically addressing situations often overlooked, such as hypothetical theater or school shootings with only one fatality.
The proposed changes come amid calls from Democratic lawmakers for broader gun reforms, including potential revisions to Alabama’s controversial permitless carry law. Rep. Barbara Drummond, a candidate for Mobile mayor, has vowed to push for repeal. However, the Republican-majority legislature is expected to resist such changes in the near term.
As Alabama continues to grapple with issues of public safety and gun violence, Blackwood and supporters of HB20 believe this new legislation sends a strong message against those who threaten community safety. The matter will be considered in the 2026 spring session, amidst ongoing discussions about crime and public safety measures.
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