News Summary
An 18-year-old former Hudsonville High School football player was critically injured in a shooting during a gun sale that turned into a robbery. Ethan Carter was shot multiple times while meeting a buyer through social media. He was transported to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries but has shown signs of recovery. The incident raises alarms about the dangers of unregulated firearm transactions and the need for public awareness regarding gun safety.
Birmingham, Alabama – An 18-year-old former Hudsonville High School football player was critically injured in a shooting that occurred during a gun sale that escalated into a robbery. Ethan Carter, who recently graduated and was set to play football at Davenport University, was shot multiple times while meeting a potential buyer he connected with through social media.
The violent incident took place just before 6 p.m. on Saturday near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle. Birmingham police arrived at the scene to find Carter wounded on the ground. He was immediately transported to UAB Hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries, including gunshot wounds to his skull, hand, arm, chest, and neck.
According to a report from Hudsonville High School on Facebook, a miraculous outcome was noted when a bullet that struck Carter’s skull did not penetrate through. As of Sunday morning, Carter was reported to be conscious and exhibiting full function, although he sustained severe injuries and was described as “beat up pretty badly.” He is currently recovering in a trauma unit, and his mother shared that the shooting caused some bruising to his brain but did not necessitate surgery. Doctors have indicated that Carter could potentially be released from the hospital by Tuesday.
The shooting reportedly occurred during what was intended to be a routine gun sale; however, it turned into a robbery in which Carter was shot, and his vehicle was stolen. The Birmingham police department stated there was no evidence to suggest that the gun sale was illegal. Notably, Sergeant LaQuitta Wade has warned the public against the dangers of purchasing firearms through informal channels such as social media, emphasizing the risks inherent in such transactions.
The Davenport University community has expressed their deep sadness over the incident, extending their thoughts and prayers to Carter and his family during this challenging time. Carter was recognized for his athletic prowess, having been selected as a standout linebacker on the 2024 MLive Grand Rapids Football Dream Team Defense, highlighting his reputation as a promising young athlete.
This alarming incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding gun safety and the growing trend of firearms being bought and sold through unregulated channels. The risks involved in such personal transactions are significant, as illustrated by this tragic event. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and are working to ensure that the community remains informed about the dangers linked to these types of dealings.
As all parties involved hope for Carter’s swift recovery, many are calling for increased awareness regarding the safe purchase of firearms, with the overarching goal of preventing future occurrences like this unfortunate shooting.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- AL.com
- Google Search: gun safety measures
- MLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- WGHN
- Google News: Hudsonville football player shooting
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
