1 dead, at least 8 injured in shooting after largest HBCU football game, police say

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – One person is dead and at least eight others are injured after a shooting Saturday night near the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, authorities said.

The Magic City Classic is the largest historically Black college and university football game in the United States.

Officers responded to the 400 block of Graymont Avenue around 7:50 p.m. and suspended all tailgating in the area, according to the Birmingham Police Department.

Investigators said multiple firearms were recovered at the scene, and one person was detained and taken to police headquarters for questioning.

As of early Sunday morning, police said one victim remained in critical condition and seven others were in stable condition. No police officers or first responders were injured.

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett described the shooting as a “senseless act of violence” and praised responding personnel.

“Everyone knows this is the largest event we have here in the city and it’s extremely taxing on our personnel. Other leaders in law enforcement recognize that and they quickly offered up support and we are grateful for that quick response,” Pickett said. “I’ll end with this.. our Birmingham police officer are true heroes. They are true heroes. Seeing the courage and resilience they displayed tonight, running alongside them in the direction of those gunshots, triaging people as we pass by them going in the direction of the shots to make sure they weren’t injured, or if they were injured rendering aid as we continue toward the gunfire.. that shows true courage, that shows the true dedication they have to actually saving lives. And I’m thankful that all of our police officers as well of others who were assistance are able to go home to their families tonight.”

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett