MONTGOMERY — In a response to the governor’s call for a stronger law enforcement presence in downtown Montgomery in the wake of Saturday night’s deadly mass shooting, Mayor Steven L. Reed said the state’s gun culture and irresponsibility are partially to blame.

” … real safety requires more than additional troopers or task forces — it requires the courage to confront the culture of easy access to guns and a lack of responsibility among those who carry them,” he said in a statement released Monday.

Reed, in offering prayers to the victims and families and victims “impacted by this senseless act of violence,” said Alabama’s gun laws have become so lax that it has taken critical tools away from police officers.

“Today, anyone can carry a concealed weapon without a license or training,” he said. “That’s a change from just a few years ago, when permits helped keep firearms out of the hands of people with violent backgrounds.”

The mayor said the city had considered a law requiring anyone openly carrying a firearm to show identification upon request.

“That ordinance would have given officers the ability to verify who was armed in public spaces — especially downtown,” he said. “But under current state law, enforcing such an ordinance could have cost Montgomery state funding.

“That is a problem, not a solution.”

Reed commended the police department’s response to the shooting – five MPD officers were within the immediate area when this shooting occurred — one within 50 feet.

“They responded within seconds, secured the scene, and are now working with state and federal partners to bring every offender to justice,” he said.

Overall crime in Montgomery continues to trend downward because of the officers’ dedication and our community’s commitment to prevention and accountability, Reed said, while not rejecting help from the state.

“We welcome any assistance the state is willing to provide,” he said. “Montgomery is strong, and we will continue leading from the front to make our capital city safer for everyone.”