A Mobile mayoral candidate is calling for gun reform in the aftermath of a deadly shooting Sunday inside the Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile during a children’s dance recital.

State Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said that if elected mayor, she will lead an effort among the state’s cities to demand the Alabama Legislature repeal its permitless carry law approved during the 2022 legislative session.

“If elected mayor, I will spearhead an effort by cities to demand the legislature repeal the open carry (law) and empower municipalities to ban guns in public areas,” Drummond said in a statement Tuesday to AL.com. “It is common sense to save innocent lives and ensure Mobile is safe for everyone. We cannot allow gun violence to shatter the spaces where our families gather, our children perform, and our community finds joy.”

Drummond’s statement refocuses the gun debate in Alabama on the measure, adopted by the GOP-led legislature, to remove a longtime requirement of obtaining a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

The law, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2023, allows anyone 19 years or older to carry a handgun in Alabama without having to purchase a permit, have a background check, or complete a training course. This applies to individuals who are not prohibited from carrying a gun by federal or state law.

The law was opposed by Democratic lawmakers, including Drummond. It also had opposition from Alabama’s sheriffs, including Republican Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch who urged the law be tweaked last year to require permits for people under age 21 following a rash of gang-related violence last summer.

Drummond said the shooting inside the Saenger Theater “underscores the urgent need for stronger measures against gun violence.”

The shooting occurred inside a theater in which more than 1,000 people were seated watching a dance recital. It followed an altercation between the shooter — 27-year-old Marcus Sanders — and Carl Williams III, also 27. Sanders allegedly shot and killed Williams following a dispute. Sanders is currently being held at Mobile Metro Jail on charges of murder and assault first-degree.

Other mayoral candidates also said they wanted to combat gun violence in Mobile, though none of the statements targeted the repeal of an existing law.

Former Mobile City Councilman Jermaine Burrell, in a statement, blamed gun violence for stealing another moment from the community. He said he was tired of the cycle.

“This is about the unchecked crisis of guns in our neighborhoods, the lack of investment in our young people, and the failure to address the root causes that lead to this violence – poverty, trauma and hopelessness,” Burrell said. “We don’t need more speeches. We need leadership that’s willing to do the hard work to protect our kids (and) to heal our city.”

Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, in a statement, said she was committed to advocating for and enforcing tougher laws and stricter penalties.

“Our laws must send a clear and unequivocal message: violence will not be tolerated and those who endanger our citizens will face the harshest consequences,” Hudson said. “As a county commissioner, I have always stood with our law enforcement, supported their request for additional funding, and insisted that the state provide their share of the funding. I will continue to work closely with law enforcement, lawmakers, and community organizations to strengthen enforcement, close loopholes and ensure our policies reflect the seriousness of these crimes.”

Former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis, in a statement Sunday night, said he will make it his mission daily to “rid the City of Mobile of violent criminals.” Former Police Chief and Executive Director of Public Safety Lawrence Battiste called the incident “tragic, outrageous and infuriating.”