Victim of Madison youth football shooting is identified; FBI assisting probe - Belleville News-Democrat

A 64-year-old man was killed and three others injured in a shooting at a youth football game in Madison on Sunday, November 1, 2026, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. Steve A. Smith of St. Charles, Missouri, was identified as the victim of a “brawl” during a Youth Football of America 12-and-under championship game between the East St. Louis Jr. Flyers and the O Supreme team at Madison High School. The FBI is assisting the investigation by collecting digital images and video from witnesses.

The public address announcer urged attendees to leave the stadium as police arrived, while footage from the press box captured the lights going out and people rushing onto the field. The Madison School District canceled classes Monday due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ and Tuesday for the general election, and the St. Louis-American Youth Football league condemned the violence, stating it has no place in youth sports.

Madison Illinois football game shooting victim identified

Victim Identified, Three Injured

Steve A. Smith, 64, was killed during the incident, which also left three others hospitalized in stable condition. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, leading the investigation, confirmed the victim’s identity but did not release the names or ages of the injured. The agency is pursuing 21 leads with 21 law enforcement officers involved. A U.S. Attorney criticized the violence, stating, “We don’t have to live like this,” and urged the public to assist in ending “lawlessness.”

FBI Collects Evidence, Calls for Public Help

The FBI is requesting digital media from witnesses, urging anyone with photographs, video, or other recordings to upload them to its website www.fbi.gov/madisonilshooting. Tips can also be submitted to the Major Case Squad at 618-709-7750 or Crime Stoppers at 866-371-8477. A recording from the press box captured a voice stating, “They just started shooting,” followed by screams and gunfire hitting the window.

1 dead, 3 injured after shooting at a youth football game Sunday

The St. Louis-American Youth Football league reiterated that “violence has no place in youth sports,” while the Major Case Squad’s Lt. Andrew Pierson urged the public to share any details, no matter how small, to aid the investigation.

Madison School District Clarifies Event Organization

The Madison School District issued a statement clarifying that the football game was not sponsored or organized by the district. “The event was organized and ran by a third party, as authorized under Board Policy 8:20,” the statement said. “Nevertheless, this violence affects our entire school community, and we recognize the grief and concern our students, families, and staff may be experiencing.”