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Shooting outside Birmingham's Legion Field after college football game kills 1, wounds 8
Gunfire broke out outside Birmingham's Legion Field after Alabama A&M beat Alabama State in the 85th Magic City Classic. Police detained one person and recovered several firearms but have not announced charges or a motive.
Ally Daily Editorial DeskUpdated:
One person was killed and eight others were wounded Saturday night when gunfire broke out outside Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, after the 85th Magic City Classic, the annual football rivalry between historically Black universities Alabama A&M and Alabama State, police said.
Officers were called to the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, beside the stadium, around 7:50 p.m. local time. Early Sunday, police said one of the wounded was in critical condition and seven were in stable condition. Authorities have not released the name of the person who died or the ages of any of the victims.
One person detained, several guns recovered
Officers recovered multiple firearms at the scene, and one person was detained and taken to police headquarters for questioning, according to Birmingham police. Police have not said whether that person has been charged, how many people fired shots or what led to the violence. No officers or first responders were hurt.
Footage from the scene shows police tape, traffic cones and patrol cars sealing off Graymont Avenue outside Legion Field after the shooting.
Police Chief Michael Pickett called the shooting a "senseless act of violence." He said most spectators and families had already left the stadium grounds when shots rang out nearby, where vendors were set up along Graymont Avenue, ABC 33/40 reported. Pickett praised officers who ran toward the gunfire and gave first aid to the wounded.
The FBI's Birmingham office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Vestavia Hills Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office are assisting in the investigation, WBRC reported.
Tailgating called off, fans told to leave
Shortly after the shooting, police suspended all Magic City Classic tailgating, ordered everyone to leave the stadium property as soon as possible and urged people not to come to Legion Field. Alabama A&M had won the game 31-28.
The Classic draws thousands of alumni, students and fans to Birmingham every fall, with a downtown parade, a battle of the bands and all-day tailgating around the stadium.
'Hurt, shaken and rightfully angry'
Mayor Randall Woodfin said the community is "hurt, shaken and rightfully angry," adding that "no misunderstanding can justify this level of senseless violence during a night of celebration." He promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who represents much of Birmingham, said her office was in contact with local law enforcement. "Our community deserves to celebrate our traditions in peace and safety, without fear of gun violence," she said.
Second HBCU game-day shooting in a week
The shooting came one week after 11 people were shot near Florida A&M University's Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee following that school's homecoming game.
Birmingham police asked anyone with video of Saturday's shooting to submit it, saying sources can remain anonymous. Tips can also be shared with the department's homicide unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Photos: AL.com
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