By Emma Simmons
WBMA/ABC 33/40
HOOVER, Ala. (WBMA) – The family of a man who was fatally shot by a police officer at mall in Hoover, Alabama has retained a national civil rights attorney, a press release confirms.
Family members have hired Benjamin Crump to represent them in 21-year-old Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr.’s Thanksgiving night shooting death. Crump represented Trayvon Martin’s family in the 2012 to 2013 George Zimmerman case.
The Hueytown man was fatally shot by a Hoover Police officer responding to reports of gunfire at the Riverchase Galleria. Law enforcement said investigation later revealed Bradford was armed, but likely did not fire the initial shots that injured an 18-year-old male victim. A 12-year-old girl was also shot and transported to Children’s of Alabama, where she was listed in stable condition.
Protesters gathered outside the mall Saturday morning in remembrance of Bradford.
Hours after the protests, Bradford’s family released the following statement:
“Our family is completely shocked, heartbroken and devastated at the tragic death of our beloved “EJ”. EJ was a devoted son and brother, who dedicated his life to serving his country and always doing the right thing. As we continue to grieve, rest assured, that we are working diligently with our legal team to determine exactly what happened and why this police officer killed our son. We will never forget EJ, and ask for your continued prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
The gunman is still at large, and Hoover Police have not ruled out Bradford’s involvement, officers confirm. As of Saturday evening, no new updates have been released from Hoover Police, or the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) who is investigating the shooting.
