Michigan Football Player Shot During Attempted Gun Purchase in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A young Michigan athlete is recovering after being shot multiple times in a violent robbery during a gun sale arranged on social media. Ethan Carter, an 18-year-old former football player from Hudsonville High School, was in Birmingham for training when the incident occurred Saturday evening.

According to Birmingham police, the shooting happened just before 6 p.m. near Winchester Drive and Ridgewood Circle on the city’s east side. Responding officers found Carter seriously wounded on the ground. He was transported by Birmingham Fire and Rescue to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Carter suffered gunshot wounds to the skull, chest, arm, and hand. Miraculously, a bullet to his skull did not penetrate, and according to a statement from Hudsonville High School, “he is currently conscious and has full function.” His mother confirmed that while his brain was bruised, no surgery was required, and he could be released from the hospital as early as Tuesday.

Police say Carter had arranged to purchase a Glock firearm through a social media platform. While there was no indication the transaction itself was illegal, the situation turned into a robbery. During the encounter, Carter was shot multiple times and his vehicle was stolen.

“This case highlights just how dangerous it is to arrange firearm transactions through unregulated means,” said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department. “We strongly urge the public to never purchase firearms off the street or through social media platforms.”

“For your safety and the safety of others,” she continued, “always use legal and licensed dealers when acquiring a firearm.”

The Birmingham Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact robbery detectives at 205-254-1753 or call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

As Ethan Carter begins a difficult road to recovery, his hometown community in Michigan is rallying around him with prayers and support, thankful that his life was spared in what could have been a far more tragic outcome.