Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys and Mayor Steven Reed provided an update on public safety efforts in the city during a news conference focusing on the fight against illegal firearms.

Several confiscated guns were on display, with officials noting that they represented just 4% of the firearms seized by Montgomery police in 2024.

“In 2024, we seized over 1,866 firearms. That’s more than five illegal firearms taken off the streets every single day,” Graboys said.

Reed highlighted the city’s close relationship with state leaders, noting both the opportunities and challenges it presents.

“We have the luxury of being approximate to our state leaders, and that is a great opportunity for us,” said Reed. “But it also brings about a great responsibility in the sense that we have to bring some of the hard truths to them about what we would like their help on and we would like their assistance. So I’m optimistic about it. I think seeing legislation on both sides allows us again to get past the partisanship and to really focus on what are the common sense solutions that not only protect our communities but in the end protect our officers.”

The Mayor urged the public to assist the effort by encouraging state lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at removing illegal firearms from Montgomery’s streets and throughout Alabama.