A deadly shooting following the 85th annual Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, left one person dead and eight others wounded, turning a major celebration of historically Black college football into a night of violence and tragedy.
The shooting occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, near Legion Field, shortly after the football rivalry between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University ended. Police said gunfire erupted in the area as spectators and vendors were still gathered for postgame activities.
The victim who died was identified as 19-year-old Dre’Shawn Te’Verious Thomas, a Parker High School graduate. Eight other people were struck by gunfire, with one initially reported in critical condition and the remaining seven suffering injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Two shootings reported near Legion Field
According to Birmingham police, officers responded to reports of gunfire shortly before 8 p.m. in the area of the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West.
Investigators later said there were two separate shooting incidents within minutes of each other. The first occurred near the tailgating area outside Legion Field, while another shooting followed nearby.
Police and emergency crews found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel provided medical assistance, and several victims were transported to hospital.
Authorities recovered multiple firearms from the scenes. Police also said the shootings occurred after the football game and largely outside the stadium property.
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17-year-old arrested and charged
The investigation took a significant turn on Monday, November 2, when Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett announced that a 17-year-old boy had been formally charged in connection with the deadly violence.
The teenager faces charges of murder and possession of a machine gun conversion device, according to police.
Investigators said officers apprehended the teenager in an alley after he allegedly attempted to flee shortly after the gunfire. Police have not publicly released his name because of his age.
Authorities also indicated that the teenager may not have acted alone and that investigators were examining the possible involvement of additional individuals.
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Victims and community response
The death of Thomas has brought grief to his family, friends and the wider Birmingham community. The eight people wounded in the incident were between 19 and 30 years old, according to police.
One victim remained in critical condition in the latest updates, while seven others were reported to be stable with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin condemned the violence, expressing anger and sadness that an event intended to celebrate community, culture and athletic rivalry had been followed by gunfire.
He urged residents not to allow the incident to overshadow the Magic City Classic’s longstanding history.
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Police appeal for information
Birmingham police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding both shootings. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incidents or recorded video in the area to provide information that could help identify other people involved.
Members of the public with information can contact Birmingham Police detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Investigators have not publicly established a motive for the shootings.
A celebration overshadowed by tragedy
The Magic City Classic is one of the most prominent annual events in historically Black college and university athletics. The rivalry between Alabama A&M and Alabama State draws large crowds to Birmingham and represents decades of sporting tradition, school pride and community celebration.
The 2026 game attracted tens of thousands of spectators, with Alabama A&M defeating Alabama State 31–28.
The violence that followed has left families grieving and raised difficult questions about public safety during large gatherings. However, Birmingham officials have emphasized that the shootings happened after the game and should not define the historic football event itself.
As of November 3, 2026, one person has died, eight others have been injured, and a 17-year-old has been charged in connection with the shootings. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not ruled out additional arrests.
The tragedy has left Birmingham mourning a young life lost while awaiting further answers about the violence that erupted outside Legion Field.
