One person was killed, and eight others were wounded in a shooting outside Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, Saturday night following the Magic City Classic, according to police.

Gunfire broke out at approximately 7:50 p.m. near the 400 block of Graymont Avenue, behind the stadium’s south endzone stands. The shooting occurred after the Magic City Classic, described as the largest Historically Black College and University football game in the United States.

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said the violence unfolded in two separate incidents and condemned what happened.

“This was two senseless acts of violence. Completely senseless acts of violence,” Pickett told reporters early Sunday.

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Police confirmed that one person was fatally shot during the incident.

Eight others were injured. One victim was listed in critical condition, while the remaining victims suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and were listed in stable condition.

“Our thoughts and our prayers are with the family of those who are affected,” Pickett said.

Investigators recovered multiple firearms from the scene.

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Police also detained one person in connection with the shooting and transported that individual to Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning.

“One person has been detained and transported to the Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning,” Pickett said.

Authorities did not release the identity of the person who was detained. Police also withheld the names of the victims.

No motive had been announced.

Pickett said the shooting happened after the football game and largely outside the stadium property, though it remained close to the event area.

“This did occur after the game. For the most part it was off of the property, but of course it was still in the area in the vicinity where a lot of the vendors were,” Pickett said.

The gunfire prompted authorities to suspend all tailgating activity and order people to leave the area surrounding Legion Field.

Officials continued working to determine what led to the shooting.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said investigators had not yet established the cause of the violence and rejected any suggestion that a dispute could justify what happened.

“There is no argument, no beef, no misunderstanding that can justify this level of senseless violence during a night of celebration,” Woodfin said.

The mayor said Birmingham would not allow the shooting to define the community or one of its major annual events.

“But hear me clearly: 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,” he said in a statement.

The Magic City Classic carries deep significance for the HBCU community, and Woodfin emphasized the family atmosphere surrounding the event.

“The Magic City Classic is rooted in HBCU tradition, and at the heart of those traditions is family,” Woodfin said, adding that, “Tonight, as a family, we grieve.”

He said the city would support those affected by the shooting as police continued their investigation.

“We wrap our arms around neighbors who are dealing with unimaginable pain right now. And just like family, we will stand united as we overcome this tragic night,” the mayor added.

Woodfin also pledged that investigators would continue working until those responsible were held accountable.

“While this crime is under an active investigation, we will not let up until we achieve swift justice for this senseless violence.”

The shooting turned the aftermath of the Magic City Classic into an active crime scene as police recovered weapons, treated the wounded and cleared crowds from the surrounding area.

Authorities had not disclosed whether the detained individual was considered the suspected shooter or what role that person may have played.

The investigation remained active as police worked to determine the circumstances that led to the gunfire, identify those involved, and establish a motive.

For now, Birmingham officials are focused on the victims and their families while investigators continue examining the evidence recovered outside Legion Field.

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