Governor calls for closing loopholes as Aniah’s Law expansion heads to 2026 ballot
By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey is condemning the release of a suspect in the October 4 Montgomery mass shooting, saying the case highlights dangerous gaps in Alabama’s bail laws.
Javorick Whiting, 19, is charged with attempted murder in the shooting that killed two people and injured twelve others in downtown Montgomery. He was released from the Montgomery County Detention Facility after posting a $60,000 bond, the maximum allowed by state law for the charge.
Three other suspects remain behind bars facing capital murder and multiple assault charges.
“Any and all involved must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Ivey said Monday. “Today, we learn that one of the four suspects has been released back onto the streets. This is exactly the legal loophole that I and many in the Legislature sought to close when I signed the Safe Alabama package.”
Ivey said the incident underscores the need to expand Aniah’s Law, which allows courts to deny bail for violent crimes. Under Senate Bill 119, the amendment would add attempted murder, solicitation, or conspiracy to murder the list of offenses eligible for bail denial. The measure will appear on the May 19, 2026, statewide ballot.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed called Whiting’s release a “slap in the face,” while Police Chief Jim Graboys said it reflects “a pattern of repeat violence” endangering both residents and officers.
“Next May, all Alabama voters will have a chance to end mandatory bail for those suspected of attempted murder,” Ivey said. “I will not forget today’s troubling news when casting my vote.”