Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys had a monthly media briefing this week to outline recent enforcement efforts and to renew his push for changes to Alabama’s permitless carry law, which he argues limits officers’ ability to identify people who are prohibited from carrying firearms.
Graboys said the department has filed 116 felony charges so far this month, with 59 people arrested. He noted that nine of the individuals arrested face multiple charges.
The chief also discussed progress in several violent crime cases, saying that six suspects in recent homicides have been taken into custody.
“Each case closed,” Graboys said. “These numbers are not just statistics. They represent our proactive efforts to maintain order and insure public safety.”
Montgomery continues to face persistent gun violence, a challenge shared by many cities across Alabama. The city saw increased homicide numbers during the pandemic, and though the pace has slowed somewhat, shootings remain a significant concern for city leaders.
MPD has expanded traffic enforcement, neighborhood patrols and partnerships with federal agencies as part of its strategy to reduce gun-related offenses. Graboys’ emphasis on closing what he calls a constitutional carry “loophole” reflects law enforcement’s broader frustration with the state law allowing concealed carry without a permit that went into effect in 2023.
The chief reiterated his position that the lack of a legal identification requirement for armed individuals makes it harder for officers to determine whether someone is legally allowed to have a firearm.
“A person who wants to carry a weapon in the state should be required to carry proper identification when they’re doing it,” Graboys said.
He added that without it, officers cannot “fully use the persons forbidden database in a proactive way to hold violators accountable,” calling the issue a risk to the public and to officers and something that “undermines the very foundation of responsible gun ownership.” He urged residents to advocate for a change in state law.
“Talk to your legislators, talk to your judges, ask them what they are doing to make our community safer, because when it comes time to vote, the people in this state and the people in this community need to vote like lives depend on it, because they do,” Graboys said.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed approved an ordinance last year aimed at requiring identification for those carrying concealed weapons, effectively seeking to close the gap highlighted by police. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall ruled that the measure violated state law, preventing it from taking effect.
Graboys said Montgomery officers responded to 13,525 calls for service in the past 28 days. Since the beginning of the month, officers have issued more than 1,000 traffic citations, consistent with increased traffic enforcement in recent months.
Graboys ended his briefing by emphasizing that the department will continue pursuing suspects aggressively, regardless of when or where crimes occurred.
“We are never going to stop in our fight to keep people accountable and hold them accountable for their actions, no matter how old the case and no matter where it took place,” Graboys said.
