Arts Council Of Tuscaloosa Speaks Out After Fatal Shooting At Historic Mobile Theater

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa released a statement Wednesday following a deadly shooting in Mobile over the weekend during a children's dance recital.

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News outlets reported one person was killed and another injured in the shooting in the historic Saenger Theatre, shocking the community and prompting the venue to implement additional security measures for all events moving forward.

The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa and the historic Bama Theatre expressed sadness regarding the "senseless act of violence" and said its heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire Mobile community.

"As fellow stewards of the arts and cultural spaces in Alabama, the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa and the Bama Theatre stand in solidarity with our colleagues, performers, and patrons in Mobile," the Arts Council said. "No child, family, or community should ever experience such a heartbreaking event in a space dedicated to creativity, joy, and expression.

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all who attend, participate in, or support the arts in our venues," the Arts Council added. "Safety is and will continue to be a top priority in every aspect of our programming and operations. Uniformed Tuscaloosa Police Department officers are present at Bama Theatre events. We join the arts community across the state in offering our deepest condolences and unwavering support to those impacted. May healing and peace find all who are grieving."

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