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Former High School Football Player Shot in Birmingham

Scene of a shooting incident in Birmingham with police presence

News Summary

An 18-year-old ex-football player from Hudsonville High School, Ethan Carter, was shot multiple times in Birmingham while trying to buy a firearm. Two assailants robbed him, inflicting serious injuries. Despite the attack, he managed to seek help from nearby residents. His injuries are severe but not life-threatening, and he remains hospitalized. The incident has raised concerns about the dangers associated with unlicensed firearm transactions, prompting local authorities to issue a public warning. The investigation is ongoing, with the community rallying around Carter during his recovery.

Birmingham, Alabama – An 18-year-old former Hudsonville High School football player, Ethan Carter, was shot multiple times while attempting to buy a firearm in Birmingham on Saturday evening. The shooting happened near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle just before 6 p.m., and authorities reported that Carter sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident.

According to Birmingham police, two assailants approached Carter, robbed him of his belongings, and shot him before stealing his vehicle. He suffered gunshot wounds to critical areas including his head, neck, chest, arm, and hand. Reports indicate that Carter was conscious and maintained “full function” following the shooting and is currently receiving treatment in a trauma unit in Alabama.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Carter’s mother revealed that he has “bruising on the brain” but will not require surgery. He may be released from the hospital sooner than expected. Following the shooting, Carter was able to flee from his car and sought assistance from nearby residents while his attackers robbed his vehicle and subsequently set it ablaze.

Ethan Carter has been training in Alabama in preparation for his upcoming commitment to play football at Davenport University in the fall. Described as a gun enthusiast and collector, he reportedly intended to purchase the firearm legally, with no plans for illegal use.

Authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting. In light of the incident, the Birmingham Police Department has issued a warning to the public regarding the dangers of purchasing firearms through unlicensed channels, which can lead to violent encounters.

Following the incident, Carter’s football coach expressed deep distress over what happened, underscoring Carter’s strength and character. Despite the traumatic experience, Carter expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal and has stated his intention to volunteer at his former high school’s football practices in the near future.

The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information about the shooting to reach out to their robbery unit. As the investigation unfolds, community members are reminded of the potential risks associated with firearm transactions that occur outside of regulated environments.

In summary, Ethan Carter’s experience highlights both the alarming reality of gun violence and the resilience of individuals facing dire circumstances. His ongoing recovery will be closely watched by friends, family, and the local community as he continues to pursue his passion for football amidst the challenges he has faced.

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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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