One dead and eight wounded in Birmingham shooting near Legion Field

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abcnews.com

abcnews.com

abcnews.com

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At least one person was killed and eight wounded when multiple shots rang out shortly after 7:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Grayman Avenue West in Birmingham, Alabama. Nine people were struck in all, Officer Darrell Freeman of the Birmingham Police Department told a press conference: at least one confirmed dead, one in critical condition, seven stable. The shooting occurred near Legion Field, which earlier that Saturday had hosted the Magic City Classic, the college football game between Alabama A&M and Alabama State.

Chief Michael Pickett said the shooting "did occur after the game" and that, for the most part, it took place off the stadium's property. Officers who responded located multiple gunshot victims, and multiple firearms were recovered at the scene and turned in to the department property room. Police offered no account of what preceded the shots, describing the scene as active with developing information.

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said in a statement that the shooting left the city "hurt, shaken and rightfully angry." "There is no argument, no beef, no misunderstanding that can justify this level of senseless violence during a night of celebration," Woodfin wrote, noting that the Classic is rooted in the traditions of the historically black colleges and universities whose teams contest it — "the traditions of family." He promised the city would grieve "as a family" and "stand united as we overcome this tragic night," adding: "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."

Woodfin said the city "will not let up until we achieve swift justice for this senseless violence." One person had been detained and transported to Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning.