Birmingham teen killed in double shooting near Legion Field

A 17-year-old student from Birmingham was killed and eight other people were injured in two shootings that occurred near Legion Field on Saturday evening. The violence took place in the area surrounding the stadium following the annual Magic City Classic football game between Alabama A&M and Alabama State.

The first incident began at approximately 8 p.m. in the tailgate zone outside the stadium. Six people were injured in that initial burst of gunfire. Police recorded a second shooting less than eight minutes later across the street on Graymont Avenue. Three additional people were wounded in that location. Birmingham police have not yet determined if the two events are connected.

Thomas, a 2026 graduate of Parker High School, was among the victims of the second shooting. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene at 8:24 p.m. One other victim from the two incidents remains in critical condition.

Law enforcement officers took a 17-year-old into custody after finding him with a firearm fitted with a Glock conversion switch. The police department has not announced specific charges against the suspect. Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Vestavia Hills Police Department, the FBI Birmingham field office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The shootings happened hours after Alabama A&M defeated Alabama State 31-28. The event, held at Legion Field for more than 100 years, is a major HBCU rivalry that attracts large crowds to the city. Most spectators had left the stadium grounds by the time the gunfire started, but the violence affected the surrounding area, including vendors set up along Graymont Avenue.

Mayor Randall Woodfin described the violence as senseless in a statement. Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett praised the officers who ran toward the gunfire to help victims. Pickett said the officers displayed true courage by triaging people while moving toward the shots to ensure they were safe.

The two shootings left one dead and eight injured in the hours following the game. The suspect remains in custody, and the injured victims are being treated at local hospitals. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the two incidents.