Gunfire After Alabama Rivalry Game Kills One and Injures Eight

One person died and eight others were wounded on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Birmingham, Alabama, following a college football game. The victims were struck by gunfire in the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, an area near Legion Field where vendors had been operating.

Birmingham police officers arrived at the scene shortly after 7:50 p.m. local time. By early Sunday, Nov. 1, one surviving victim remained in critical condition while the other seven were listed as stable. Police recovered multiple firearms from the scene and detained one individual for questioning at police headquarters. No charges had been filed, and no suspect had been publicly identified as of Sunday morning.

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett stated that the shooting occurred after the game and largely outside the stadium property. The incident followed the 85th edition of the Magic City Classic, an annual rivalry game between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University. Alabama A&M defeated Alabama State 31-28 in the matchup.

Authorities suspended all remaining tailgating activities and directed attendees to leave the stadium property. They urged the public to stay away while officers investigated the area. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies assisted Birmingham police. No officers or first responders were injured in the incident.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin described the event as rooted in family traditions of historically Black colleges and universities. He pledged that the city would pursue justice for the victims. Investigators have asked anyone with video footage of the shooting to submit it through an online evidence portal, noting that providers can remain anonymous. The identities of the victims had not been released as of Sunday morning.