News Summary
Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old football player from Michigan, was shot multiple times in Birmingham while attempting to purchase a gun. The incident, which occurred near Ridgewood Circle, left him with serious injuries, but he is now conscious and recovering. Authorities warn about the dangers of informal gun sales, highlighting escalating risks in such transactions. The Birmingham Police Department is seeking information on the robbery and shooting event, urging community assistance to ensure justice.
Birmingham
An 18-year-old Michigan football player, Ethan Carter, sustained multiple gunshot wounds during a gun sale incident in Birmingham on Saturday evening. The shooting took place shortly before 6 p.m. near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle on the city’s east side. Carter, who recently graduated from Hudsonville High School, was in town for training and had plans to play football at Davenport University.
Carter was found lying on the ground with wounds to his skull, hand, arm, and chest. Following the incident, he was quickly transported to UAB Hospital where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. As reported by his high school, a stroke of luck spared him from more severe damage, as the bullet that struck his skull did not penetrate. Currently, he is conscious and maintains full functionality despite sustaining bruising to his brain from the incident. There was no need for surgery, and he could potentially be released from the hospital as early as Tuesday.
Birmingham police indicated that Carter arranged to buy a Glock firearm through a social media platform, though the specifics of the transaction remain unclear. The preliminary investigation suggests that while there were no indications of illegal activity related to the sale, the situation escalated into a robbery during which Carter was shot and his vehicle was stolen. Authorities have not disclosed Carter’s name but confirmed his identity through statements from Hudsonville High School.
Police Warning
Following the incident, Birmingham Police Sgt. LaQuitta Wade cautioned against purchasing firearms through informal means such as street sales or social media, highlighting the dangers associated with such transactions. This advice underscores the risks that emerge when private firearm deals can quickly turn violent.
Call for Information
The Birmingham Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward. Residents with knowledge relating to the shooting can contact Birmingham robbery detectives at 205-254-1753 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. The department is actively seeking to piece together the details of the case to ensure a thorough investigation.
Background Context
This incident reflects ongoing concerns regarding firearm sales and the associated risks of private transactions. In recent years, there has been heightened awareness surrounding gun safety and regulations governing sales, particularly in informal contexts. With the increased presence of social media, the potential for misuse in firearm-related transactions has also risen, prompting reactions from law enforcement and community leaders alike.
Ethan Carter’s situation is particularly alarming, serving as a reminder of the potential dangers that accompany firearm sales outside regulated environments. As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the repercussions of this incident while expressing support for the young athlete as he navigates his recovery.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting at Woodlawn High School Alumni Picnic Leaves Woman Injured
Shooting Leaves Recent High School Graduate in Critical Condition
Birmingham Police Investigate Shooting at High School Event
Shooting Incident at Woodlawn High School Leaves One Injured
Brighton Woman Charged with Capital Murder in Shooting
Birmingham’s Top Neighborhoods: A Ranking of Best Places to Live
Community Calls for Transparency After Police Shooting of Teen
Shooting At Woodlawn High School Reunion Picnic Causes Panic
Understanding the 503 Error: Causes and Solutions
Tragic Death of Sayfollah Musallet Sparks Outcry for Justice
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Michigan football player shot in Birmingham
- Google Search: Birmingham shooting incident
- WBRC: Michigan-area football player shot in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Gun control in the United States
- WVTM13: Birmingham police investigate shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence
- WBRC: Woman shot and killed in Bessemer
- Google News: Birmingham firearm sales
- AL.com: Woman injured in Woodlawn shooting
- Google Scholar: Private firearm transactions
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.
