Police in Birmingham, Alabama, said one person was killed and eight others were wounded Saturday when shots rang out after a football game between two historically Black colleges.
Birmingham Police said gunfire erupted near Legion Field around 7:50 p.m. Saturday after the Magic City Classic, an annual football game that has been played between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University for more than 100 years.
Police did not identify the slain victim and said one of the wounded was in critical condition. The other seven victims were in stable condition.
People were interested in these podcasts
Authorities said several firearms were seized after the shooting and one person was taken in for questioning.
No charges were announced as of Sunday morning.
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said most of the 70,000 fans had left the area when the shooting broke out, adding that he was “very grateful that more people weren’t injured.”
The chief said detectives are still trying to figure out how the shooting started.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin condemned the killing in a statement late Saturday.
“There is no argument, no beef, no misunderstanding that can justify this level of senseless violence during a night of celebration,” Mr. Woodfin said. “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.”
Rep. Terri Sewell, Alabama Democrat, said her “prayers are with everyone impacted by the shooting at Legion Field following the Magic City Classic tonight, including the family and loved ones of the individual who was killed.”
Saturday’s shooting comes a week after a mass shooting at another historically Black college.
Police in Tallahassee, Florida, said 11 people were injured, including six minors, when shots were fired near Florida A&M University.
Authorities arrested and charged a 15-year-old boy in connection to the shooting, which started as an argument that exploded into violence.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.