On October 4, a mass shooting erupted during the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic college football game in Montgomery, Alabama, resulting in two deaths and twelve injuries. Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys explained that the tragedy began with an exchange of gunfire, which led to multiple people in the crowd pulling their own weapons. One of the suspects, Javorick Whiting, 19, was arrested on October 16 and charged with attempted murder in relation to the incident. The suspect, who was last reported in critical condition, was set a bond of $60,000 by a judge, which he was able to post on October 17 through a bail bond company. Despite a strong public outcry, prosecutors filed a motion to increase the bond, arguing it was ‘woefully inadequate.’ However, District Judge Michael Godwin denied the motion, stating that no new evidence was presented to support the request.
Public reaction has been intense, with Republican Governor Kay Ivey expressing frustration on a Facebook post, highlighting how the release of one of the suspects has underscored the need for legal reforms. She referenced Aniah’s Law, a measure passed in 2019 to address bail for violent offenses, which was named after Aniah Blanchard, who was murdered in 2019 by someone on bond for violent crimes. Recent legislation aims to expand Aniah’s Law to include attempted murder, but it still requires voter approval. The decision by Judge Godwin has reignited discussions about bail reform and the balance between legal procedures and public safety.