News Summary
Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old football prospect, was critically injured in a shooting during a botched gun sale in Birmingham. Arranged via social media, the transaction turned into a robbery, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds. Despite his injuries, Carter has shown optimism about his recovery as authorities continue to investigate the incident and the ongoing threats against him on social media.
Birmingham, Alabama – An 18-year-old former Hudsonville football standout, Ethan Carter, was shot multiple times on Saturday, July 12, during a botched gun sale in Birmingham. The incident occurred near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle around 6 p.m. Carter was in the city for training sessions with plans to play football at Davenport University.
Birmingham police described the shooting as a result of a firearm transaction gone wrong, arranged via a social media platform. Authorities believe that the encounter, which was intended for a legal sale, turned into a robbery, with Carter sustaining seven gunshot wounds, including serious injuries to his skull, hand, arm, and chest. Witness accounts from local residents, including Kory Jackson, reported that her family observed the shooting, expressing concern for Carter’s life at the scene.
After the incident, Carter was found on the ground with critical injuries and was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening wounds. Although police initially did not disclose Carter’s identity, they confirmed that the gun sale itself was not illegal. Following the shooting, Carter’s vehicle was reported stolen and was later discovered burned. Investigators have yet to make any arrests, and the case remains under investigation. As a preventive measure, local law enforcement has issued warnings about conducting firearm transactions online or off the street.
Brian Carter, Ethan’s father, expressed concerns that his son may have been intentionally targeted in the incident and suggested that the meeting for the sale was a setup aimed at robbery. Ethan had been living with a host family in Birmingham and training for several years to prepare for his upcoming football career. Upon receiving news of the shooting, Brian initially envisioned a car accident but quickly learned about the severity of Ethan’s injuries.
Ethan Carter’s injuries included multiple staples in his head and significant damage to his hand, which require further medical attention. Despite the traumatic experience and ongoing challenges, Ethan has remained optimistic about his future and appreciates the outpouring of support from his community. He was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and returned home to Michigan, where he hopes to contribute to his high school’s football program. However, his coach advised him to focus on recovery first.
The case has drawn attention not only due to the violence but has also led to social media threats against Ethan, prompting his family to be vigilant about his safety and well-being. Brian Carter emphasized their commitment to protecting Ethan from any negative or hostile interactions online. As the investigation continues, police remain diligent in their efforts to identify the suspects involved and apprehend them.
This unfortunate incident has highlighted the potential dangers associated with conducting firearm transactions through social media, urging individuals to exercise caution in similar situations to avoid becoming victims of crime.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Offers Diverse Social Activities for Meeting New Friends
Shooting of Jabari Peoples Sparks Demand for Transparency
Teen Football Player Survives Shooting in Birmingham
Birmingham’s Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria Faces Delays
Court Upholds Murder Conviction in Birmingham Shooting
Hudsonville High School Graduate Shot During Robbery
Birmingham Nonprofits Seek Volunteers for Community Needs
Glasgow Excludes Wrestling from Commonwealth Games
Birmingham Protests Against Medicaid and SNAP Cuts
Former High School Football Player Shot in Birmingham
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Michigan Football Player Shot
- WZZM13: Hudsonville Grad Back Home
- Fox17: Former Hudsonville Player Released
- Wikipedia: Firearm Transaction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
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.
