A deadly shooting during a packed children’s dance recital at Mobile’s Saenger Theatre has triggered a sweeping review of security at city venues, with officials vowing to ramp up screenings at all future events.

The security measures will be looked at in the coming days between the city’s administration and The Oak View Group (OVG), the company hired in February by the city to oversee the management of the two venues and the future Mobile Civic Center Arena.

“We are exploring every measure and tools, to ensure that both public and private events hosted at city facilities are safe and secure,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said in a statement Monday.

One day after the shooting, the absence of metal detectors inside the Saenger Theater has drawn additional scrutiny after 27-year-old Marcus Sanders allegedly shot and killed Carl Williams III, also 27, following a domestic dispute. The altercation occurred while the dance recital was taking place on stage.

A woman, who police are not identifying, was also injured in the ankle by gunfire and is reported to have been an innocent bystander seated near the altercation. Her injuries are not life threatening.

Greg O’Dell, president of venue management with The OVG Group, said in a statement that safety and security “remain our highest priority.”

He confirmed future events will include “additional security screening.” No additional details were provided.

The dance recital hosted by Danze 101 Academy of Ballet Studio and Company, was considered a private event, and patrons did not have to enter the historic theater through metal detectors nor were they checked with wands by security guards ahead of the performance.

“There is a lot left to come,” said Mobile Police Chief William “Randy” Jackson, referring to future security protocols that will be enacted by The OVG Group.

“I suspect there will be some changes.”

Jackson said the city, which continues to react with anger over the shooting, was fortunate not to be facing an even graver tragedy.

He said at least 1,000 people were inside the Saenger Theater for the dance recital – well more than half of the capacity of the 1,800-seat venue.

“The whole bottom floor was full and a great portion of the upper deck area,” said Jackson.

An altercation between Williams and Sanders began on the theater floor while a dance performance occurred on stage. According to Jackson, the children who were performing were moved off stage before the gunfire occurred.

“The children who were dancing were moved off the stage and then, within seconds or so after that, it turned violent and shots were fired,” Jackson said. “Once they were fired, it became chaotic.”

He added, “We are very lucky no one else was injured. With the amount of people in there, we are lucky no one else was hit directly or indirectly or that none of the children were hit.”

Jackson said that Sanders and Williams were acquaintances, but declined to say why they had an altercation inside the theater. He said there was a “domestic relation aspect to this,” but declined to provide further details.

He called on people to resolve their differences through “conflict resolution,” and not through an escalation that involves gunfire.

“Let us intervene so people stop getting hurt, injured and killed,” Jackson said.

Sanders is due into court around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday for a bond hearing. He is at the Mobile County Metro Jail facing murder and assault first-degree charges.

Stimpson said it remains “shocking” to see the latest incident result in gunfire at a child’s dance recital.

“And even more unimaginable that someone would fire a weapon in a crowded theater, just feet from where young children were performing on stage,” the mayor said in a statement. “There is no conflict, dispute, or disagreement worth putting so many people at risk or subjecting children to such lasting trauma. It’s sickening.”

Kenesha Carey, director of Danze 101 Studio of Dance, in a social media statement to parents, said that in the coming days, they will provide information pertaining to support services including counseling to students.

“We encourage open communication within families and with our staff, as sharing feelings can be an essential part of the healing process,” Carey said.

“As we move forward, please remember the Danze 101 teachers and staff are here for you. We will continue to uphold the values of love, support, and resilience that define our studio.”