Two shootings near Legion Field kill one, injure eight after HBCU game
A 17-year-old suspect was detained following the incidents outside the stadium on Saturday night.
By Noor Rossi ·
Mayor Randall Woodfin reported one death and eight injuries in two separate shootings near Legion Field on Saturday night. The violence occurred after the annual Magic City Classic football game between Alabama State and Alabama A&M.
Fire officials listed two of the wounded in critical condition as of Sunday. The victims ranged in age from 19 to 30. Police did not immediately clarify which specific incident resulted in the fatality.
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett noted that most spectators had already left the stadium property when the first shooting took place. That incident happened near vendor setups along Graymont Avenue.
Police spokesperson De'Rell Freeman stated that one person was detained and multiple weapons were recovered. Woodfin identified the suspect as a 17-year-old who used an illegal Glock switch conversion device. Authorities are still pursuing other suspects.
The game drew nearly 70,000 fans to the historic rivalry matchup. Alabama A&M defeated Alabama State 31-28. Woodfin said the community can discuss public safety while continuing to celebrate the event's cultural significance.
Woodfin emphasized the importance of maintaining the tradition. "We will not retreat from our history," he said. "We will not apologize for our culture, and we will not turn our backs on the institutions and traditions that have contributed so much to this city and our communities. We will continue to support, defend and uplift our city's historically Black tradition."
Source: WBHM
