2 days ago
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By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times
A 17-year-old male has been formally charged with murder and possession of a machine gun conversion device in connection with two shootings that took place outside Birmingham’s Legion Field following Saturday’s 85th Annual Magic City Classic, Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett announced Monday night.
“This individual is off the street and will be held accountable,” Chief Pickett said.
Saturday’s shootings claimed the life of 19-year-old Parker High School graduate Dre’Shawn Thomas and left eight others injured.
Shortly after Monday’s police press conference, Mayor Randall L. Woodfin posted on social media commending the BPD for bringing about “swift justice.”
“We told y’all we would not rest until those responsible for Saturday’s tragedy would be held accountable,” Woodfin wrote. “The victims, their families and this community has gone through enough grief and sorrow these past few days. I want to thank Chief Pickett, BPD detectives and all involved for ensuring that justice would be served. I know we still have a long way to go…But knowing that the person who caused your grief is no longer walking the streets can allow the healing process to begin. Swift justice is a small step toward healing.”
Two separate shootings took place Saturday night. The first shooting happened outside of the Legion Field tailgate area, and six people were injured. Less than 8 minutes later, a second shooting occurred across from Legion Field on Graymont Avenue near food vendors, involving three victims.
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett announced a 17-year-old had been charged in connection with two shootings following Saturday’s 85th Annual Magic City Classic. (Marika N. Johnson, City of Birmingham)The teen charged was not associated with Alabama A&M or Alabama State University, the two schools that faced off in Saturday’s game. The Magic City Classic is the largest HBCU rivalry in the country and Birmingham’s biggest annual event.
During a previous press conference, Woodfin emphasized that the Saturday night shootings occurred after official Magic City Classic events and should not define the Classic or Birmingham, which has seen a 74% decrease in homicides since 2024.
“We will not allow one act of violence to overshadow 85 years of legacy,” Woodfin said.
“The Classic has an 85-year tradition of being family-friendly and safe.”
Woodfin continued to express support for the Classic in comments posted Monday night.
“This shooting had absolutely nothing to do with the Magic City Classic and we will not buy into false narratives about our HBCUs,” Woodfin wrote. “We will continue to support the Magic City Classic. Birmingham’s resolve has been tested before. And every time, we walk through the fire stronger and more united before. The spirit of the Classic is family, and like a family, we’ll get through this together.”
