Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge Jubilee Marred by Weekend Violence

Two shooting incidents during the annual civil rights commemoration raise concerns about public safety.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds of people traveled to Selma, Alabama this past weekend to commemorate the 61st anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday' and retrace the steps of the civil rights foot soldiers who marched for voting rights across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. While the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee featured commemorations, speakers, and community events honoring the legacy of the civil rights movement, two separate shooting incidents over the weekend resulted in a total of eight people being injured. Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III said the shootings were targeted incidents, not random attacks, and that officials decided to shut down Jubilee festivities earlier than planned to prioritize safety.

Why it matters

The Bridge Crossing Jubilee is a significant annual event that commemorates a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. However, the weekend violence raises concerns about public safety and the ability of the city to provide a secure environment for the high-profile event and its many visitors, including government officials. It also highlights the ongoing challenges Selma faces in connecting younger generations to the history and legacy of the voting rights struggle.

The details

According to Mayor Moss, the first shooting happened Friday evening on Alabama Avenue, an area where people often gather during major events. Several individuals were shooting at each other, and six people were taken to the hospital. The second shooting happened Saturday evening near Water Avenue, a few blocks away from the main vendor area. Two 18-year-olds were shot in that incident, and a suspect has already been identified. Police say both shootings were targeted incidents, not random attacks.

  • The annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee was held this past weekend, March 4-6, 2026.
  • The first shooting incident occurred on Friday evening, March 4, 2026.
  • The second shooting incident occurred on Saturday evening, March 5, 2026.

The players

Johnny Moss III

The mayor of Selma, Alabama who expressed deep personal concern over the weekend violence, as his daughter was present during one of the shooting incidents.

Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland, who was among the notable guests attending the Bridge Crossing Jubilee this year.

Jesse Jackson

The longtime civil rights leader whose decades of work advocating for voting rights and economic justice were recognized with a proclamation of 'Jesse Jackson Day' by Mayor Moss during the Jubilee weekend.

Charles Mauldin

A 78-year-old who was one of the marchers beaten during the original 'Bloody Sunday' in 1965, and who expressed concern that the advances made in the civil rights movement could be 'eradicated'.

National Voting Rights Museum

The organization that organizes the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee event in Selma.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We will make sure whoever is responsible for this will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Johnny Moss III, Mayor of Selma (WSFA)

“I'm concerned that all of the advances that we made for the last 61 years are going to be eradicated.”

— Charles Mauldin, Civil rights marcher from 1965 (WSFA)

“Unfortunately, we have a lot more to go to reach them. We have two incidents that involve some of our next generation, and we're working through those issues.”

— Johnny Moss III, Mayor of Selma (WSFA)

What’s next

City leaders in Selma plan to review the weekend's events and discuss improvements during a wrap-up meeting early next week. Planning for next year's Bridge Crossing Jubilee could begin as early as this week, with the goal of the city playing a more active role in planning and safety for the event.

The takeaway

The violence that marred this year's Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in providing a safe and secure environment for the commemorative event, which honors a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. As Selma works to connect younger generations to this history, city leaders must also grapple with addressing the root causes of the targeted shootings that disrupted the weekend's festivities.