Four arrest warrants have been issued in connection with a riverfront brawl in Alabama, with the potential for more to be issued pending a comprehensive review, according to Maj. Saba Coleman of the Montgomery Police Department. The incident took place on Saturday at the Harriott II Riverboat docking area in Montgomery and involved a group of white people assaulting a black riverboat worker, which ignited a massive fight. The incident has since sparked discussions about race.

The brawl began when a disagreement over docking space escalated into a physical altercation. Christa Owens, a passenger aboard the Harriott II Riverboat, recorded a series of videos capturing the tense moments that unfolded. According to Owens, the crew member of the riverboat asked a small pontoon boat to move so the riverboat could dock. However, the pontoon boat occupants ignored the request, leading the crew member to step in and move the boat himself. This action sparked a confrontation between the crew member and an irate, shirtless man, resulting in a physical altercation.

Owens stated that the crew member was simply trying to maintain order and repeatedly attempted to explain the situation to the pontoon boat occupants. However, tensions escalated, and a group of pontoon boat passengers joined in assaulting the riverboat crew member. Videos filmed by Owens and other passengers show the crew member being punched and attacked by several individuals. The chaos attracted the attention of other riverboat passengers, who rushed to the scene, some even swimming to assist the outnumbered crew member. In one video, a man is seen using a white chair as a weapon, striking multiple people, including a woman.

Law enforcement eventually intervened to stop the altercation and detained several individuals. Mayor Steven Reed of Montgomery condemned the incident and stated that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable by the criminal justice system. He emphasized the importance of not becoming desensitized to any form of violence in the community. Police will hold a briefing on Tuesday to provide an update on the situation.

On Monday, the Montgomery Police Department announced that arrest warrants had been issued in connection with the riverfront brawl. The incident gained nationwide attention after videos circulated on social media showing white individuals assaulting a black riverboat worker. Maj. Saba Coleman confirmed that four active warrants had been issued, and more could follow as authorities review additional footage. Police stated that several people had been detained, and charges were pending.

According to witnesses, the brawl originated when a crew member of a city-operated riverboat attempted to move a pontoon boat blocking the riverboat's docking space. A white man shoved and punched the black crew member, prompting other white individuals to join in the attack. A separate video showed that after the riverboat docked, several black passengers confronted the pontoon boat group, leading to a racially divided brawl. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed assured the community that the police department was swiftly investigating the incident and that justice would be served.

The riverfront brawl took place at Montgomery's downtown riverfront, an area developed to attract tourists and offer recreational activities. The incident highlighted the need to address violence and racial tensions within the community. Reed expressed confidence that the community would come together to overcome this incident, just as they have done in the past.