Birmingham, Alabama, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old football star, was shot multiple times in Birmingham while attempting to buy a firearm in what is believed to be a premeditated robbery. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Carter is in recovery. Birmingham police are investigating the incident, urging caution around social media firearm transactions. No arrests have been made yet, and witnesses provided first aid to the victim at the scene.
Birmingham, Alabama – Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old former football star from Hudsonville, was shot multiple times during an alleged robbery linked to a gun sale on July 12. Investigators believe the shooting was premeditated, as Carter was reportedly targeted for robbery and possibly murder.
The incident unfolded when Carter arranged a meeting through social media to purchase a Glock firearm. During the transaction, he realized something was amiss when one of the suspects approached him wearing a hood. Carter sustained seven gunshot wounds, with injuries affecting his skull, hand, arm, and chest. Despite the severity of his injuries, Ethan Carter has been described as a “walking miracle” by his father, who has noted his son’s remarkable recovery.
Carter, who was in Birmingham for training sessions as he prepared to play for Davenport University, had been making use of the services offered by Step by Step Sports Training. On the night of the shooting, two individuals met him in the Roebuck area. After he was shot, the suspects fled the scene in Carter’s vehicle, which was later discovered burned.
As of now, no arrests have been made. Authorities from the Birmingham Police Department indicated that they believe the gun sale itself was not illegal. Efforts to investigate the incident are ongoing, and they urge anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses at the scene, including one named Kori Jackson, provided first aid to Carter after he collapsed from his injuries.
The Birmingham Police have emphasized the risks associated with purchasing firearms through social media and private sales, warning the public of potential violent outcomes. Meanwhile, Ethan’s father has reflected on the choices made, voicing regret over his son’s decision to meet up with the individuals involved, acknowledging it was a dangerous choice. The family has requested prayers and support as they navigate through this challenging situation.
The Carter family confirms that the shooting incident is not related to Ethan’s football training, further distancing the athlete’s passion from the violent encounter. Posts circulating on social media after the shooting suggest that the suspects are aware of the gruesome nature of their actions, adding a layer of complexity to the case for investigators.
Details of the Incident
- Date: July 12
- Location: Roebuck area, Birmingham, Alabama
- Injuries: Seven gunshot wounds
- Current Status: Recovering
Investigation Updates
- Arrests: None made as of the latest update
- Advice: Police warn against purchasing firearms via social media
- Public Appeal: Authorities urge anyone with information to contact them
Background Information
Ethan Carter had been preparing for a collegiate football career with commitments already made to Davenport University. He had been training and temporarily staying in Birmingham with a host family during his visits for coaching sessions. The Carter family remains hopeful for a full recovery, reiterating their support for Ethan while stressing the need for community awareness regarding the dangers of illicit gun transactions.
FAQ
- What happened to Ethan Carter?
- Ethan Carter was shot multiple times during a planned gun purchase that escalated into a robbery.
- How many times was he shot?
- He sustained seven gunshot wounds.
- Are any suspects arrested?
- No arrests have been made as of now.
- What advice have the police provided regarding gun purchases?
- The police warn the public against purchasing firearms through social media or private sales due to the risks of violence involved.
- What were Ethan Carter’s plans in Birmingham?
- He was in Birmingham for football training sessions and had committed to play for Davenport University.
Key Features Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Shooting during a gun sale |
| Date | July 12 |
| Victim | Ethan Carter |
| Injuries | Seven gunshot wounds |
| Location | Birmingham, AL |
| Status of Investigation | No arrests made yet |
| Recommendations | Avoid gun purchases through social media |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Michigan Football Player Shot in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WVTM13: Birmingham Shooting Victim Identified
- Google Search: Birmingham shooting Ethan Carter
- WZZM13: Hudsonville Grad Survives Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- ABC3340: Birmingham Shooting Victim Details
- Google News: Ethan Carter Birmingham 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.
