News Summary
Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old football player from Michigan, is in critical condition after being shot multiple times during an alleged gun purchase in Birmingham, Alabama. The incident, which occurred when Carter arranged to meet individuals for a firearm transaction, escalated into a robbery, leading to severe injuries. Birmingham police are investigating, urging caution regarding informal firearm transactions as the community rallies for Carter’s recovery.
Birmingham, Alabama – An 18-year-old football player from Michigan is in critical condition after being shot multiple times during an alleged gun purchase gone wrong. Ethan Carter, a recent graduate of Hudsonville High School, was visiting Birmingham for training when the shooting occurred on Saturday, July 12, just before 6 p.m.
Birmingham police located Carter on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where he was admitted with life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Carter arranged to meet two individuals through a social media platform to purchase a firearm. The meeting escalated into a robbery, during which he was shot and his vehicle was taken. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
In response to this incident, the Birmingham Police Department has issued warnings regarding the dangers of purchasing firearms through informal, street-level transactions. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade emphasized that illegal sales often lead to dangerous situations. Officers recommend that individuals seeking firearms should only use licensed dealers to ensure their safety.
The shooting inflicted severe injuries on Carter, including wounds to his head, neck, chest, and arm. However, an update from his mother indicated that he would not require surgery and could potentially be discharged from the hospital as early as the following Tuesday. Fortunately, the bullet that struck his skull did not penetrate, and he remains conscious and responsive while receiving care in a trauma unit.
Coaching staff at Hudsonville High School, where Carter played football, expressed relief at his condition and noted his achievements. Carter earned a scholarship to Davenport University due to his dedication and performance on the team. His coach, Leonard Stephens, praised Carter’s hard work and commitment to the sport, bringing the team together in support of him during this challenging time.
The Hudsonville High School community is rallying around Carter and his family, providing prayers, encouragement, and support as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event. The sentiment among students, faculty, and their families demonstrates a strong commitment to helping one of their own in a moment of crisis.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with illegal firearm transactions and the importance of considering safety measures. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for Ethan Carter’s recovery and for justice to be served in this unfortunate case.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13: Michigan Football Player Shot in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Illegal Firearm Trade
- WBRC: Michigan Area Football Player Shot in Birmingham
- Google Search: Ethan Carter Football Player Shooting
- AL.com: Michigan Football Player Shot While Buying a Gun
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in America
- People: Teen Student-Athlete Fatally Shot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WVTM 13: Jackson-Olin Football Player Killed in Shooting
- Google News: Birmingham High School 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.
