Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee organizers plan to add security at future events in response to weekend shootings

Organizers of the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee say they will increase security at future events following two shootings last weekend during the city’s largest annual gathering.

Eight people were injured in the two separate shootings – one on Friday night outside of Jubilee events and another early Saturday evening near the stages and vendors within the Jubilee footprint.

Faya Rose Toure, principal coordinator of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, told the Black Belt News Network in a statement Thursday that organizers are concerned about the incidents and plan to add new safety measures going forward. Future Jubilees will include the use of metal detectors and hand searches, she said. Organizers will also meet to strategize “how to provide the most effective and efficient security for our participants.”

“We need a strong offense and perhaps more security guards,” Toure said.

Toure noted that in the 33 years the Jubilee has been held in Selma with events that include more than 30 activities such as parades, workshops and pageants, organizers have not experienced a shooting or other violence during the celebration.

She also said the shootings reflect a broader rise in violence across the country and that the “climate of the country must be dealt with to effectively stop violence anywhere.”

“The nation has a violence problem, but we will not let that stop us from taking every measure to protect the attendance at the Jubilee and working on helping the local and national culture of violence with the non violence strategies the Selma to Montgomery March and the Voting Rights Movement was built upon,” Toure said.

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The Jubilee last weekend drew thousands of visitors and commemorated the 61st anniversary of the Bloody Sunday march that helped lead to passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Since the shootings, Selma and Dallas County officials have raised questions about security planning for the event.

During the Dallas County Commission’s meeting Monday, commissioners claimed there were failures in Selma’s security presence and suggested the Selma Police Department may have been shorthanded. Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford defended the department's response and said arrests have been made in connection to the shootings.

Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III addressed the issue in a statement released Wednesday, saying organizations that host outside events are responsible for implementing safety measures.

“When outside organizations host large events, the city may be asked to assist with public safety and logistical support,” Moss said. “In those cases, our administration communicates the coordination and safety measures that are necessary to help ensure a safe environment for residents and visitors.”

Moss said some of those recommendations “were not fully implemented this past weekend.”