A massive, racially-tinged fight broke out on the docks in Montgomery, Alabama. It was dubbed Montgomery Riverboat Brawl. How did it start and who are those involved?
An altercation began after a riverboat attempted to pull into a dock in Montgomery, only to find that there was a pontoon boat in the way.
A Black security guard told the white owners of the pontoon to move their boat. They refused and then began attacking the security guard.
Several other Black people got involved in the fight, including one Black man who jumped into the water to swim toward the fight.
Eventually, police showed up and arrested multiple people.
The incident was captured on video by several bystanders and the clips have since circulated on various social media platforms.
Police have detained 13 people in connection to a brutal attack, per TheSun.
What is the “Alabama riverboat brawl” trend about?
Riverfront Park is a popular destination in Mongomery, Alabama, that’s often filled with boat rides, concerts, baseball games, and other attractions, but on August 5, 2023, it was the sight of a violent attack.
The attack in question reportedly erupted after a worker asked a group of people to move their boat that was parked in a reserved spot for the Harriott II riverboat, according to The New York Times.
Police Chief Darryl J. Albert said in an August 8 press conference that the workers’ request was met with “gestures, curse words and taunting.”
The co-captain of the Harriott, Damien Pickett, who is Black, proceeded to return to the dock and attempt to move the boat “just enough” to allow his riverboat- containing 227 passengers- to park, but the owners then confronted him “in a very hostile manner.”
The confrontation then led to a fight and soon several people joined in.
One man was seen in a video swinging a folding chair, while another white man was seen punching Pickett.
Bystanders were able to capture the attack from various angles, and after they started uploading the clips online, it began trending.
Who are the Alabama riverboat brawl suspects?
The online videos have helped police throughout their investigation and even led to charges.
“When the incident took place, the Police Department didn’t have the luxury of videos that we all have seen now,” Chief Albert said, via The New York Times.
“Now that we have more information, more charges are pending.”
So far, the police have issued arrest warrants for three men, with more expected to follow.
Those three men in question include:
- 48-year-old Richard Roberts, who faces two warrants for third-degree assault
- 23-year-old Allen Todd, who faces one warrant for third-degree assault
- 25-year-old Zachary Shipman, who faces one warrant for third-degree assault
Additionally, 42-year-old Reggie Gray is also wanted by police for questioning in connection to the folding chair incident mentioned earlier.
Roberts already turned himself in and is currently in jail, while the other two are expected to turn themselves in soon, according to TMZ.
The New York Times notes that none of them are residents of Montgomery.
How is Damien Pickett doing?
Pickett was attacked alongside an unnamed 16-year-old white male, who took him to the dock.
Afterward, he received treatment for injuries, but at this time, the extent of those injuries has not been released, according to The New York Times.
Steven L. Reed, Montgomery’s first Black mayor, commented on the attack at the news conference, stating that it does not represent the community at large.
“It’s important for us to address this as an isolated incident, one that was avoidable and one that was brought on by individuals who chose the wrong path of action,” Reed said, via The New York Times.
“This is not indicative of our community at all.”