A chaotic fight that broke out on a riverfront dock in Montgomery, Alabama, on Saturday night has resulted in four arrest warrants and more possible charges, according to police. The brawl, which was captured on video and shared widely on social media, involved a group of white people attacking a black riverboat worker over a pontoon boat that was blocking the riverboat from docking. The incident sparked another clash between the two groups after the riverboat landed, with racial tensions escalating the violence.
Riverboat worker assaulted by pontoon boat passengers
The initial confrontation occurred around 7 p.m. on Saturday, when a crew member of the Harriott II, a city-operated riverboat that offers dinner cruises and entertainment, asked a pontoon boat to move out of the way so that the riverboat could dock at the Riverfront Park. A video taken by a riverboat passenger and published by WSFA shows a white man shoving and punching the black crew member, who tries to defend himself. Several other white men then join in on the attack, kicking and hitting the crew member repeatedly. The video also shows some white women trying to intervene and stop the assault, while others cheer on the attackers.
The crew member, who has not been identified, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics, according to Montgomery Police Department spokesperson Maj. Saba Coleman. He did not require hospitalization.
Second fight erupts after riverboat docks
A second video shows that after the riverboat docked, several black passengers confronted the pontoon boat group, apparently seeking justice for the crew member. A large brawl then broke out between the two groups, with punches, kicks, and objects being thrown. Some people can be heard shouting racial slurs and insults during the melee.
Police arrived shortly after and detained several people involved in the fight. Coleman said that four arrest warrants have been issued as of Monday morning, and more could follow after authorities review additional footage. The names and charges of the suspects have not been released yet.
Mayor condemns violence and vows justice
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed issued a statement on Sunday night, condemning the violence and promising that justice will be served. He praised the police for acting swiftly to detain the reckless individuals who attacked the riverboat worker, who was doing his job.
“This was an unfortunate incident which never should have occurred. As our police department investigates these intolerable actions, we should not become desensitized to violence of any kind in our community. Those who choose violence will be held accountable by our criminal justice system,” Reed said.
Reed also said that he will hold a briefing on Tuesday to provide an update on the situation and address any questions from the media and the public.
Riverfront Park is a popular tourist attraction
The fight took place along Montgomery’s downtown riverfront, which the city has worked to develop into a tourist and recreation area with restaurants, bars, and hotels. The Harriott II is one of the attractions that offers scenic views of the Alabama River and live entertainment. The pontoon boat is part of a rental service that allows people to enjoy the water at their own pace.
The incident has raised concerns about safety and security at the riverfront park, especially during peak hours when large crowds gather. Some witnesses said that there was not enough police presence or security measures to prevent or stop the fight.
Coleman said that the police department is reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. She also urged anyone who witnessed or recorded the brawl to contact the police and provide any information that could help with the investigation.
