Gunfire erupted at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, around 7:50 pm ET on Saturday, moments after the Magic City Classic concluded. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed to AL.com that at least one person died in the incident. Public safety radio communications revealed two others were critically injured, while a third suffered minor wounds. The total casualty count remains unconfirmed as authorities process the scene.
The shooting interrupted the closing moments of the annual matchup between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University. This game holds specific cultural weight as the largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) football contest in the United States. Fans had gathered for the event, which typically draws large crowds to the historic stadium. The sudden violence forced a rapid security response in a densely packed environment.
Safety officials immediately suspended all tailgating activities near the venue. They directed spectators to evacuate the immediate perimeter of the stadium. Police and emergency services cordoned off the area to secure the scene. No suspect has been identified or apprehended yet according to available reports. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Local authorities are working to determine the motive and the shooter’s identity. State and federal agencies may be assisting with the inquiry given the high-profile nature of the event. Families of victims are being notified by the coroner’s office. The university administration has not yet issued a public statement regarding the impact on their student bodies.