Atmore Police Investigate MLK Day Shooting After Car Meet and Block Party

Atmore, Ala. (BuzzReport) — Atmore police are investigating a late-night shooting that erupted following a Martin Luther King Jr. Day car meet and block party, leaving two people injured and a neighborhood shaken by what authorities described as a “senseless act of violence.”

According to a statement released by the Atmore Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:06 p.m. on January 19, 2026, to the area of Carver Avenue and Ashley Street after reports of gunfire. The incident occurred after a day-long MLK Car Meet and Block Party that had been advertised on social media and drew a large crowd of attendees.

Police say patrol officers arrived on scene in less than one minute after the call was received.

At the time of the department’s release, two gunshot victims had been confirmed. One of the victims is a male who was shot while attempting to help another individual reach safety during the chaos. Both victims were transported to medical facilities for treatment and are believed to be in stable condition.

Investigators say the scene showed signs of extreme violence. Preliminary findings indicate that more than 30 rounds were fired during the incident, sending people scrambling for cover as gunfire rang out in the crowded area.

Multiple divisions within the Atmore Police Department are now working the case, including the Crime Scene Processing Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, Narcotics/Vice Unit, and the Special Response Team. Authorities say the Special Response Team may be utilized if search or arrest warrants are required.

Early investigative information suggests the shooting may be connected to gang-related activity, a conclusion police say is based on intelligence and information available to the department’s Narcotics/Vice Unit.

Detectives are actively pursuing several leads, including reviewing city-owned and privately owned surveillance footage and submitting recovered shell casings for ballistic testing and tracing.

“This type of senseless violence and complete disregard for human life and public safety will not be tolerated in our community,” the department said in its statement.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could assist investigators to come forward immediately and contact the Atmore Police Department.

As the investigation continues, authorities emphasized their commitment to identifying those responsible and restoring a sense of safety in the community following a day that was meant to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.