At least one person has been confirmed dead, while eight others sustained gunshot injuries following a shooting incident after the annual Magic City Classic football rivalry in Birmingham, Alabama, United States.
The incident occurred shortly after 7:50 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, in the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, close to Legion Field, where the highly anticipated football contest between Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M) and Alabama State University had earlier taken place.
According to reports by WBRC News, officers of the Birmingham Police Department who responded to reports of gunfire discovered nine people with gunshot wounds at the scene, with one victim subsequently confirmed dead.
During a press briefing, Birmingham Police Officer Darrell Freeman disclosed that one of the injured victims was in critical condition, while the remaining seven were reported to be stable as of early Sunday.
Freeman also confirmed that several firearms were recovered from the scene, while one individual was taken to police headquarters for questioning in connection with the incident. However, authorities have yet to disclose the person’s identity or announce any formal charges.
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett confirmed that the shooting happened after the football game, although he noted that most of the incident occurred outside the stadium premises.
Following the incident, authorities suspended all Magic City Classic tailgating activities and advised residents and visitors to avoid the Legion Field area as security operatives secured the location and commenced investigations.
Police further confirmed that no officers or emergency responders sustained injuries during the incident.
Reacting to the incident, Pickett described the shooting as a senseless act of violence that disrupted an important sporting and cultural celebration in Birmingham.
He acknowledged the enormous security demands associated with the annual event, noting that other law enforcement agencies promptly provided support to assist local officers.
The police chief also commended officers and emergency personnel for their response, particularly their efforts to approach the affected area, attend to injured victims and ensure the safety of others.
The Birmingham Police Department disclosed that it received operational assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Vestavia Hills Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Birmingham office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin also condemned the attack, expressing concern over the violence that occurred during an event regarded as one of the city’s major sporting traditions.
In a statement released on Saturday night, Woodfin said the incident had left residents distressed and angry, stressing that no disagreement or personal dispute could justify such violence.
He assured residents that the city would pursue justice for the victims and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
The mayor further highlighted the importance of the Magic City Classic, describing it as a significant cultural tradition rooted in the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
He noted that the annual rivalry between Alabama A&M and Alabama State University represents more than a sporting competition, as it brings together families, alumni and communities.
Woodfin urged residents to remain united despite the incident, assuring them that the ongoing investigation would receive the attention required to establish accountability.
Meanwhile, the Birmingham Police Department has appealed to members of the public to provide information, photographs or video recordings that could assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
In a statement shared on its official X account, the department specifically requested footage from individuals who witnessed or recorded the incident around Legion Field on Saturday.
Police assured members of the public that information could be submitted anonymously and encouraged anyone with relevant evidence to cooperate with investigators.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.