Suspect Arrested for Shooting Cousin at Riverchase Galleria After Social Media Dispute

Key points

• Shooting occurred near the food court at Riverchase Galleria at 11:57 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026.
• The victim, a 20-year-old man, was shot in the arm and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
• Suspect Reginald Ja’Ques Davidson was arrested around midnight on Avenue K in Ensley, Birmingham.
• Police stated the shooting resulted from a social media dispute between the victim and his cousin.
• Davidson is charged with first-degree assault and second-degree theft of property for the stolen gun used.
• The mall locked down briefly, with the food court closed for about two hours before reopening.

Background

The Riverchase Galleria has experienced four shootings in the past eight years, three of which were deadly. Previous incidents include a fatal shooting in 2018, the death of Zachariah Taylor Music in 2019, and the killing of Royta Giles in 2020. A non-fatal shooting also occurred in July 2026, where an 18-year-old was shot and the suspect was killed by police. This latest incident is the first non-fatal shooting in Hoover this year.

How outlets are covering it

WBRC and 1819 News reported that the shooting was linked to a social media dispute between the victim and the suspect, who are cousins. WBRC noted that Davidson left the scene with a stolen gun. WVTM highlighted the panic among shoppers, with one woman hiding in a Macy’s dressing room for 10-15 minutes during the 'active shooter' scare. WBMA emphasized that the incident was not random violence, as the parties knew each other, and noted the mall reopened at 1:30 p.m. while the food court remained closed until 3:30 p.m. All sources confirmed the victim’s injuries were non-life-threatening and that police had no active threat.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at the Riverchase Galleria, a major shopping center in Hoover. The quick arrest of the suspect and the confirmation that the dispute was personal rather than random offer some reassurance, but the history of violence at the mall underscores the need for continued security measures. The use of a stolen firearm in the crime also raises questions about gun control and enforcement in the area.

What to watch

Reginald Ja’Ques Davidson is currently held in the Hoover City Jail and is scheduled to be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail on Saturday. Police indicated that additional charges are likely as the investigation continues. The mall has resumed normal operations, but additional security presence, including Hoover Police Department officers, is expected throughout the weekend. The public is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers with any information regarding the incident.