One killed, eight injured in shooting after Birmingham’s Magic City Classic as police seek video evidence

One person was killed and eight injured in a shooting after Birmingham’s Magic City Classic. Police detained one person and are seeking video evidence.

One person was killed and eight others were injured in a shooting following Birmingham’s annual Magic City Classic on Saturday night, turning a major celebration of historically Black college football into a scene of violence and grief.

Birmingham police said officers were dispatched at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Oct. 31 to the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, near Legion Field, where they found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. The area was secured so Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel could reach the victims and provide emergency assistance.

In its developing report, WBRC said nine people were shot in the incident. By early Sunday, police had confirmed that one victim was in critical condition and seven others were stable. Authorities have not publicly identified the person who died or the other victims.

The shooting prompted officials to suspend all Magic City Classic tailgating and urge the public to stay away from Legion Field. The annual rivalry game brings together Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University, two historically Black institutions whose football matchup is a longstanding fixture of Birmingham’s cultural and sporting calendar.

Police recovered multiple firearms at the scene. One person was detained and taken to Birmingham Police headquarters for questioning, but authorities had not publicly announced an arrest or identified that person as a suspect in the reports available Sunday. The circumstances that led to the gunfire remained under investigation. No police officers or first responders were reported injured.

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett described the shooting as a “senseless act of violence” and praised officers who moved toward the gunfire while helping locate and assist injured people. He also thanked law enforcement agencies that supported the response, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Vestavia Hills Police Department, FBI Birmingham, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Mayor Randall Woodfin also condemned the violence, saying the community was hurt and angry after an incident that unfolded during a night intended for celebration. He emphasized the importance of the Magic City Classic to Birmingham and called for accountability as the investigation continues.

Police are asking anyone who recorded video of the shooting or has information that could help investigators to contact the department. Officials said people submitting footage can remain anonymous. The request comes as authorities work to establish what happened, identify those involved and determine what led to the shooting.

The violence has left Birmingham facing the aftermath of a deadly incident connected to one of its best-known annual events. While officials have publicly condemned the shooting and appealed for community assistance, investigators have not yet provided a full account of the circumstances or announced charges in connection with the case.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting has been asked to contact Birmingham Police detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.