Tuberville pledges tough sentencing after stadium shootings

Senator Tommy Tuberville used the weekend to outline his criminal justice platform following a violent weekend in Birmingham. The Republican gubernatorial nominee said he would push for maximum sentences if elected governor. His comments came after two separate shooting incidents left one person dead and eight others injured near Legion Field.

Tuberville stated that his wife Suzanne and he are praying for those involved in the tragedy. He promised to maintain constant communication with local and federal law enforcement agencies to identify the shooters. The senator said judges and prosecutors would be held accountable to prevent criminals from reoffending. He warned that offenders would fear the consequences of hurting Alabamians, or that the people protecting them would.

The violence erupted hours after Alabama A&M University defeated Alabama State University 31 to 28 in the Magic City Classic. The first shooting occurred around 8 p.m. in the tailgate area outside the stadium. Six people were wounded in that incident. Less than eight minutes later, three more people were shot across the street on Graymont Avenue.

Dre’Shawn Thomas, a 2026 graduate of Parker High School, died at the scene. One other victim remains in critical condition. Birmingham police detained a 17-year-old suspect who was found with a firearm. The gun was fitted with a Glock conversion switch, a device that allows a semi-automatic pistol to fire in full-auto mode. Police have not yet announced charges or confirmed if the two shootings are linked.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, FBI Birmingham, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office assisted in the response. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin described the violence as senseless. Police Chief Michael Pickett praised officers for moving toward the gunfire to reach victims quickly.

Tuberville faces Democrat Doug Jones in the general election scheduled for Tuesday. Polls open at 7 a.m.