A family from Alabama has been thrown into mourning after a member of their family was shot on Thanksgiving night by the police. The man was mistaken to be a shooter who injured two people at the mall.
Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. was shot by an officer on Thanksgiving night at Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham. The event occurred around 10p.m. CT and at the time authorities reported he had gotten into a squabble and opened fire injuring two people. The injured victims were aged 18 and 12.
Shortly after this occurrence Bradford, who was armed, was seen fleeing the scene by an officer and was immediately shot. Results of forensic investigation and testimonies from witnesses have revealed to the police a different perspective. This has made the police alter their story saying that Bradford was likely involved in the altercation but he most likely didn’t fire the rounds that injured the victims.
The police are yet to release official details about the shooter who is still at large. Bradford’s family have begun asking questions about the occurrence amidst the mourning of their beloved family member.
In a statement released by the family they said, “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.”
His aunt, Catherine Jewell spoke to reporters saying, “They killed him for no reason at all. He wasn’t the shooter. He was a great guy. He was very respectable … They did him wrong.”
An army spokesman in a statement said Bradford didn’t complete advanced army training nor did he serve, though his Facebook profile states that he is a US Army engineer. Bradford’s family have secured the services of civil rights attorney, Benjamin L. Crump. Crump represented 17-year old Trayvon Martin, the African-American who was shot in 2012.
Last Saturday a protest was organized outside the same mall with protesters carrying signs saying “Black Lives Matter” and “Justice for E.J.” The crowd called for the arrest of the officer who shot Bradford. In response the police have affirmed the officer in question is already on administrative leave while the case is being investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
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