Nine Shot, One Killed After Magic City Classic
Birmingham officials say two shootings near Legion Field left one dead and eight wounded; a 17-year-old is being held
TL;DR: Nine people were shot, one fatally, near Legion Field after Saturday’s Magic City Classic. City leaders said two shootings occurred less than eight minutes apart, and more than one suspect is believed to be involved.
A night of football, fun and fellowship ended in gunfire Saturday, Oct. 31, when nine people were shot near Legion Field after the Magic City Classic. One died and eight were wounded.
Police first responded around 7:50 PM to the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, according to WBRC. Officers found several gunshot victims and secured the scene so Birmingham Fire and Rescue could provide aid.
On Sunday afternoon, city leaders said the violence involved two separate shootings.
The first left six people shot outside the stadium perimeter and the Classic’s tailgate area. Less than eight minutes later, three more people were shot across the street near vendors along Graymont Avenue, ABC 33/40 reported.
Victims ranged in age from 19 to about 30. Fire and rescue crews treated more than 50 people in all, city officials said.
Mayor Randall Woodfin said a 17-year-old was in custody on a 48-hour hold. The teenager had a gun fitted with a Glock conversion switch, according to WSFA. Woodfin said the teen was not the only suspect.
No charges were announced at Sunday’s news conference. Woodfin said the person being held had no tie to Alabama A&M or Alabama State.
Early police reports listed one wounded victim in critical condition and seven in stable condition. Later accounts differed. ABC 33/40 reported that officials did not give a consistent breakdown of patients’ conditions during Sunday’s briefing.
Police recovered several firearms. Officials halted Classic tailgating and urged the public to avoid Legion Field property while crews worked. No officers or first responders were reported as injured.
Woodfin mourned the violence and pledged to pursue those responsible.
“Our community is hurt, shaken and rightfully angry. So am I,” he said.
Police are seeking witness accounts and video. Anyone with information may call Birmingham’s homicide unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tips may be made anonymously.
This was not the first time that gunfire has disrupted Magic City Classic weekends.
In October 2014, a 15-year-old girl suffered a gunshot wound at Legion Field and was treated at Children’s of Alabama. A witness described an argument between two men, followed by shots that sent families running for cover. The shooting prompted calls for more security.
Two more shootings occurred near Legion Field the day before the 2024 Classic. At least two people were wounded at separate locations. However, Birmingham police said those incidents were not related to the Classic and reported no major incidents at Legion Field on game day.
On the field, Alabama A&M defeated Alabama State 31–28.
