'Violence stalks Hispanic-owned Montgomery, Ala., businesses'
Published on 2024-06-08
Hispanic-owned businesses in Montgomery, Alabama, are being “hunted’ by criminals, city officials said this week after three people were killed in a grocery store shooting that officials say may be connected to a string of targeted crimes.
Following a tragic grocery store shooting that claimed three lives, city officials in Montgomery, Alabama, have acknowledged that Hispanic-owned businesses are being targeted by criminals. The mayor, Steven Reed, vowed to protect the Latino and Hispanic communities from these heinous acts of violence.
Members of the community expressed their fear and unease after the deadly shooting and other crimes. Police reported an ice cream store robbery with a stolen customer wallet, a shot fired after an attempted robbery at a Mexican restaurant, and an incident where a knife-wielding suspect stole a cash register.
Police Chief John Hall stated that they are collaborating with federal partners to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Officers have increased patrols near Latino businesses to deter potential crimes.
Mayor Reed acknowledged the community's frustration and noted that Hispanic businesses may be targeted due to their limited access to banking services, leading to higher levels of cash on hand.
To ensure justice, authorities are considering federal charges under the Hobbs Act, which prohibits robbery and extortion that affect interstate commerce. Mayor Reed and Chief Hall stressed that immigration status is not a factor in crime reporting and that they are focused on solving these cases.
Mitchell Elijah, whose father, George Elijah Jr., was killed in the shooting, reflected on his father's dream of passing on values of respect, truthfulness, and success. Elijah's mother, Claudia Cauthen, expressed her shock and grief, condemning the perpetrators for ruining her life.
Maribel Lopez, co-owner of the store, described her brother Romero and nephew Daniel as kind and well-loved. She highlighted her brother's desire to help people and build a brighter future for their community.
Despite their fear, the business remained open, but Lopez expressed uncertainty about its future. She emphasized the need for justice and the desire for a life free from fear and violence.
Members of the community expressed their fear and unease after the deadly shooting and other crimes. Police reported an ice cream store robbery with a stolen customer wallet, a shot fired after an attempted robbery at a Mexican restaurant, and an incident where a knife-wielding suspect stole a cash register.
Police Chief John Hall stated that they are collaborating with federal partners to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Officers have increased patrols near Latino businesses to deter potential crimes.
Mayor Reed acknowledged the community's frustration and noted that Hispanic businesses may be targeted due to their limited access to banking services, leading to higher levels of cash on hand.
To ensure justice, authorities are considering federal charges under the Hobbs Act, which prohibits robbery and extortion that affect interstate commerce. Mayor Reed and Chief Hall stressed that immigration status is not a factor in crime reporting and that they are focused on solving these cases.
Mitchell Elijah, whose father, George Elijah Jr., was killed in the shooting, reflected on his father's dream of passing on values of respect, truthfulness, and success. Elijah's mother, Claudia Cauthen, expressed her shock and grief, condemning the perpetrators for ruining her life.
Maribel Lopez, co-owner of the store, described her brother Romero and nephew Daniel as kind and well-loved. She highlighted her brother's desire to help people and build a brighter future for their community.
Despite their fear, the business remained open, but Lopez expressed uncertainty about its future. She emphasized the need for justice and the desire for a life free from fear and violence.
