10/16/2026
I understand there is a video circulating on social media regarding an incident that occurred yesterday within the city limits of Gadsden. Members of the Joint Special Operations Group were attempting to serve a search and arrest warrant as part of an ongoing investigation by the Gadsden Police Department. After knocking on the door and announcing their presence, officers were met with gunfire. This endangered not only the officers involved but also nearby neighbors.
Thankfully, all officers returned home safely to their families, and no neighbors were injured. We are grateful for their safety and thankful that innocent residents were spared harm.
This remains an ongoing investigation by Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, and the information provided above is all that can be released at this time. However, let me be clear this operation was an attempt to serve a search and arrest warrant, gunfire was directed at law enforcement officers, and the suspect did not follow commands in the arrest procedure.
-Mayor Craig Ford