MONTGOMERY, AL – In a harrowing incident that has shocked the local community, three people lost their lives in a shooting at a small grocery store on Tuesday night. This tragic event is the latest in a troubling pattern of attacks on Latino-owned businesses in Alabama’s capital.
The violence erupted at Tienda Los Hermanos, a grocery store situated on Montgomery’s south side, mere hours after Mayor Steven Reed made a passionate plea to the city council to approve a $6 million community intervention program aimed at addressing the city’s crime issues.
“People working their jobs in their community, trying to make it day-to-day, week-to-week should not be preyed upon. And that’s what we had last night,” Mayor Reed stated during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Police Maj. Saba Coleman reported that officers arrived at the scene shortly before 9 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third died at a hospital. Acting Montgomery Police Chief John Hall identified the victims as George Elijah Jr., 50, Daniel Lopez, 20, and Romero Lopez, 43. According to Mayor Reed, two of the victims were related, and the third was a customer.
Authorities are probing whether this incident is linked to other recent crimes targeting Latino-owned businesses. Maribel Lopez, who claimed ownership of the store, confirmed that her brother and nephew were among the victims. She expressed her grief, saying, “I can’t think about nothing right now,” and noted that the store had been targeted by criminals several times in the past.
City Councilman Oronde Mitchell, who represents the district, disclosed that the shooting took place during a robbery. He highlighted that Hispanic-owned businesses are frequently targeted because they are perceived to handle more cash. Mitchell emphasized the necessity for the city to foster trust within the community and implement measures to prevent crime.
During the press conference, a representative from a Spanish-language radio station raised concerns about the police’s response times to calls from the Latino community. Chief Hall assured that the city is working on improving response times and pledged to investigate any allegations of ignored calls.
A memorial of flowers and candles was set up outside Tienda Los Hermanos, serving as a poignant tribute to the victims.