One person was killed and eight others were wounded in a shooting outside Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, late Saturday night following the 85th annual Magic City Classic. Police confirmed that multiple firearms were recovered from the scene and one suspect was detained for questioning after the 7:50 p.m. gunfire.
The violence erupted on the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West shortly after 7:50 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, moments after the conclusion of the annual college football rivalry game between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University at Legion Field. Alabama A&M had just defeated Alabama State 31-28 in the 85th edition of the matchup, an event that traditionally draws fans to the city for weekend celebrations.
While the game itself had ended, festival crowds remained active in the surrounding parking lots and vendor areas where tailgating setups lined the stadium perimeter. Chaos ensued as shots rang out behind the south end zone stands, sending vendors and attendees scrambling for cover.
Casualties and Emergency Response at Legion Field
First responders arrived to find a casualty scene along the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West. Birmingham Police Department officers secured the area to let Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel enter the grounds and render emergency medical aid to the wounded.
Several people were shot near Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, The shooting occurred shortly after a college football game.Contributed by @AZ_Intel_. pic.twitter.com/iU1HPk8VlH
Law enforcement officials confirmed a total of nine gunshot victims. One individual died from their injuries, while another victim remained hospitalized in critical condition. Seven additional people sustained injuries and were listed in stable condition following hospital transport.
Officers responded and located multiple gunshot victims… We can confirm that a total of nine victims were wounded by gunfire with at least one being confirmed deceased, one critical, and seven in stable condition. Multiple firearms were recovered from the scene by officers and turned into our property room.
Officer De’Rell Freeman, assistant public information officer for the Birmingham Police Department
Police Chief Michael Pickett praised the swift response of patrol officers who raced toward the gunfire to assist victims.
Tailgating Suspended as Police Detain a Suspect
In response to the active shooting scene, the Birmingham Police Department ordered an immediate shutdown of all remaining Magic City Classic tailgating activities. Authorities broadcast urgent safety alerts demanding that everyone leave the stadium property and stay away from Legion Field.
Investigators confirmed that one person was taken into custody at the scene and transported to Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning by detectives. Officers recovered multiple firearms from the area and secured them in the department evidence room, though officials have not yet announced formal criminal charges or a confirmed motive against the detained individual.
Chief Pickett noted that the department is working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other partner agencies. Investigators have launched an online evidence portal and urged witnesses to upload mobile phone recordings or surveillance footage from the vicinity, promising complete anonymity for anyone submitting files.
City Leadership Reacts to Tragedy at an HBCU Tradition
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin released a public statement expressing grief and anger over the bloodshed during the event. He emphasized that the historical significance of the weekend must not be overshadowed by criminal violence.
There is no argument, no beef, no misunderstanding that can justify this level of senseless violence during a night of celebration. But hear me clearly: We refuse to let fear shake the spirit of this community. Justice will be served to those who brought harm to those at one of our most treasured events.
Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell also issued a statement offering prayers to the victims’ families and confirming that her team remains in contact with local law enforcement regarding the active investigation.
The shooting recalls prior safety incidents surrounding the annual fixture at Legion Field. ABC 33/40 archives show that an individual was wounded in a parking lot near Graymont Avenue and Center Street following the 2014 game, while police also responded to two separate shootings in the neighborhoods surrounding the stadium on October 25, 2024, the day before that year’s Classic.
