Selma shaken by two shootings during Jubilee weekend

Two shootings have taken place in Selma this weekend while thousands are in town for the annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

Six people were injured in a shooting on Friday night, according to Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III. Moss said the injuries were non-life threatening and that a suspect has been apprehended. The shooting did not occur at an event related to the Jubilee and was reportedly on Alabama Avenue, one block from the Selma police station where residents frequently gather on weekend nights.

A second shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. Saturday near the Riverfront Amphitheater and Jubilee vendors on Water Avenue. Moss said two 18 year olds were injured and being treated at an area hospital. A suspect has been identified but an arrest has not been made, Moss said.

With thousands expected in downtown Selma Sunday for the Bridge Crossing Jubilee march, Moss said Selma Police, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department and multiple state and federal partners will assist with security. Attendees should expect checkpoints as they enter the event area and to be screened.

“We’re going to barricade all entrances off Water Avenue to ensure that tomorrow’s event is safe,” he said. “We’ll have all hands on deck.”

Despite the back-to-back incidents, Moss said he hopes the remainder of the weekend will proceed peacefully. “We pray everything quiets down tonight,” he said.

No information has been given by Selma Police at this time. Calls made by the Black Belt News Network to Chief Kenta Fulford have not been returned. Moss said the police department has not completed their reports and will provide more details when the reports are released.