SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Savannah Mayor Van Johnson responded to the Saturday morning shooting that injured four people.

The incident happened in the 100 block of West Congress Street. The physical altercation, Savannah Police Department (SPD) said, started with two groups. Johnson pointed to Georgia’s gun laws and said the state allows people to carry. He added alcohol and guns don’t mix.

He called for the suspects to step forward during a press conference on Tuesday morning.

“Those folks who did the dumb things over the weekend, we want to talk to you,” he said. “Lawyer up and come talk to us. Don’t make us have to come drag you at your house because we will.”

He told shootings are incidents that the city cannot control, and he is confident his team has done a great job of curbing crime in the area.

This incident is just over a week after the anniversary of the Ellis Square mass shooting that injured 11 in May 2024. Since then, Johnson said the city has been working to improve safety.

“We had that night, our largest single concentration of police, as we did a year ago in that area, both on duty and off duty police officers from Savannah police and other agencies,” he said.

He continued, “We knew that there was a deficiency of lights that we felt were appropriate. I mean, it was lit, but not as well lit. So certainly, there was investment in that.  Again, City Market changed their operating where they moved from the club model to restaurant models.”

Businesses in the downtown tourist district said they are fed up with the violence they say seems to keep happening.

“We understand their frustration,” Johnson said. “We are frustrated, too.”

He continued, “Do we think we like to have the fact that someone’s experience was ruined or damaged because of an incident like this that could have potentially had innocent people hurt, that had people working in clubs and working at businesses that have patrons inside? No.”

Some business owners said they are considering closing early to keep their employees safe. Johnson revealed that a curfew is on the table, and he acknowledged that it may affect their bottom line.

“We have to be able to keep people safe,” he said. “So, do we shut down at 9:00? Do we shut down at 10:00? Do we say 11:00, no alcohol being served there? I mean again, you don’t want to have to go there.”

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 912-234-2020.