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Former High School Football Player Shot During Robbery

Scene of a shooting incident in Birmingham

News Summary

Ethan Carter, a former Hudsonville High School football player, was shot multiple times in Birmingham, Alabama, during a robbery attempt while trying to purchase a gun. Despite sustaining seven gunshot wounds, he managed to escape and is expected to recover. The incident has raised concerns about the dangers of street firearm purchases, leading local police to issue a public warning.

Birmingham, Alabama – Ethan Carter, a former Hudsonville High School football player, was shot multiple times during an attempted gun purchase that turned into a robbery. The incident occurred recently in Birmingham, where Carter was in training to enhance his football skills ahead of his upcoming college career.

The shooting incident, which included the discharge of 24 rounds from a close distance, left Carter sustaining seven gunshot wounds to his bicep, chest, hands, neck, and head. Remarkably, he managed to shield himself with his arm and escape from his vehicle to seek safety. Following the attack, Carter’s car was stolen and subsequently torched by the assailant.

According to local police reports, the shooting unfolded when two individuals approached Carter’s car, leading to the attempted robbery. In light of this incident, authorities have issued a warning to the public about the dangers of buying firearms from street dealers to prevent such violent occurrences in the future.

Carter’s Journey and Recent Developments

Prior to the incident, Ethan Carter had been a dedicated athlete, graduating from Hudsonville High School in 2025. He was slated to join Davenport University’s football team this coming fall, marking a significant step forward in his athletic career. His commitment to training and improving his skills has taken him to Alabama since middle school, with numerous visits aimed at getting better on the field.

Following the shooting, Carter experienced a hospitalization period during which he was monitored in a trauma unit. Fortunately, despite the life-threatening nature of his injuries, he did not require surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. As he continues to recover, he stated his intention to return to his roots by volunteering at the football practices of his former high school.

Community Support and Investigation

Throughout this traumatic experience, Ethan’s family and former coaches have rallied around him, providing uplifting support and prayers for his recovery. His father characterized the alarming events as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” reflecting the deep concern felt by families regarding the safety of their children. Meanwhile, Coach Brent Sandee praised Carter as a dedicated, hardworking player known for his exceptional speed and strength on the field.

The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the shooting, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The local community is left to reflect on the dangers associated with illegal firearm transactions, as highlighted by this disturbing incident.

As the investigation unfolds, the priority remains on ensuring the safety of the public and preventing such incidents from recurring. The ongoing support for Ethan Carter from family, friends, and the community serves as a testament to his resilience and strength, mirroring the dedication he once displayed on the football field.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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.

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