One dead, eight hurt after shooting near Alabama football classic

One person died and at least eight others were hurt after gunfire Saturday night near the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, police said. Officers were called to the 400 block of Graymont Avenue at about 7:50 p.m. and stopped all tailgating in the area.

The Birmingham Police Department said investigators recovered several firearms from the scene. One person was detained and brought to police headquarters for questioning. Police said no officers or first responders were hurt.

As of early Sunday, one victim was listed in critical condition and seven others were stable. Police Chief Michael Pickett called the shooting a "senseless act of violence" and described responding to the scene.

The Magic City Classic is the largest historically Black college and university football game in the United States. Pickett said the event draws heavy police staffing. "Everyone knows this is the largest event we have here in the city and it's extremely taxing on our personnel," he said. He added that law enforcement leaders from other agencies quickly offered help.

Pickett also spoke about officers who moved toward the gunfire. He said they triaged people along the way and rendered aid to the injured. "Seeing the courage and resilience they displayed tonight, running alongside them in the direction of those gunshots" showed their dedication, he said.