One killed, eight wounded in shooting after Magic City Classic in Alabama

A mass shooting occurred Saturday evening outside Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, following the Magic City Classic football game between Alabama A&M and Alabama State universities. Gunfire erupted shortly after 7:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, where vendors were stationed near the stadium. One person was killed and eight others wounded; of the injured, one remained in critical condition while seven were in stable condition, according to Birmingham Police Department spokesperson De'Rell Freeman.

Most spectators had already departed the stadium when the shooting occurred. Police recovered multiple firearms at the scene and detained one individual for questioning at police headquarters, though no arrests have been announced and the suspect has not been publicly identified. Police Chief Michael Pickett stated he was "very grateful that more people weren't injured" given the large crowd that had attended the game.

The Magic City Classic is an annual matchup between the two historically Black universities and is billed as the largest HBCU football game in the country. Saturday's game, won by Alabama A&M 31–28, drew nearly 70,000 fans. The event typically attracts more than 100,000 people to Birmingham annually and features a parade, tailgating activities, and significant community engagement. All remaining tailgating activities were canceled following the shooting. Police requested public assistance in identifying the shooter and asked anyone with video footage or information to contact authorities.