Multiple Arrest Warrants Issued After Chaotic Brawl Erupts on Riverfront Dock in Montgomery
Authorities have issued multiple arrest warrants following a chaotic brawl that broke out on a popular riverfront dock in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday. The incident occurred after an employee was pushed to the ground and punched by multiple people.
Videos of the incident show a Black man, described as a cruise boat crew member, engaging with a group of White men on the dock, who then became physical and started hitting him. The footage quickly went viral online as the situation escalated into a massive brawl, with punches being thrown, people being hit with chairs, and at least one person being thrown into the water.
Police were called to the scene and found a large group of individuals engaged in a physical altercation. Several subjects have been detained, and charges are pending, according to a news release from the police department. Officials plan to hold a news conference on Tuesday afternoon to provide more information about the incident.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed praised the swift action of the police in detaining the individuals responsible for attacking the employee. He condemned the violence and urged the community not to become desensitized to such incidents.
According to witness Lauren Spivey, the brawl started with a request to move a boat that was blocking the large Harriott II Riverboat from docking near Riverfront Park. The riverboat, filled with guests, had been waiting for a significant amount of time, but no one came forward to move the obstructing boat.
The employee went over to the small boat and began untying it when a man, who appeared to be White, ran over and confronted him. The situation quickly escalated, with one of the men from the group pushing the employee and throwing a punch. Several others joined in, attacking the worker while he was on the ground.
Videos of the incident also show bystanders attempting to intervene and break up the fight. However, the group that fought with the worker did not leave the area after the altercation was broken up.
Following the docking of the Harriott II Riverboat, a second, larger brawl broke out as those aboard the riverboat ran over to confront the boaters. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with punches being thrown between the groups and at least one person being knocked into the water.
Additional footage captured a man being repeatedly hit over the head with a folding chair and a woman being kicked and punched before also being struck with the chair. Police officers eventually arrived at the scene and intervened.
The Montgomery Police Department was called to the area around 7 p.m., and journalists from CNN affiliate WSFA reported seeing people in handcuffs.
Mayor Reed called the incident unfortunate and emphasized that those who choose violence will be held accountable by the criminal justice system. Major Saba Coleman, a spokesperson for the Montgomery police, stated that there are currently four active warrants, with the possibility of more following the review of additional video evidence.
What measures will the Montgomery community take to prevent desensitization to incidents of violence like this one
Officials, the incident on the riverfront dock was sparked by an altercation between a Black cruise boat crew member and a group of White men. The situation quickly escalated into a chaotic brawl, with punches being thrown, chairs being used as weapons, and one person being thrown into the water.
Police were called to the scene and found a large group of individuals involved in the physical altercation. Multiple arrest warrants have been issued, and several individuals have been detained. Charges are pending against those involved.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed commended the police for their swift action in apprehending those responsible for the attack. He condemned the violence and called on the community to not become desensitized to such incidents.
Further information about the incident will be provided in a news conference scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
This is a clear indication that stricter security measures need to be in place at the Riverfront Dock.