HOOVER, AL – The family of Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford, who was shot and killed by Hoover police during an altercation at the Riverchase Galleria Thanksgiving night, has hired high-profile civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Crump previously represented the family of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the family of Trayvon Martin, who was fatally shot in Florida by George Zimmerman.
Bradford was initially thought to be the suspect who fired shots and injured an 18-year-old male and a 12-year-old female during an altercation at the Galleria. However, the investigation revealed that Bradford, while possibly involved in the altercation, likely was not the person who fired the shots.
Bradford was killed by a Hoover police officer as he was fleeing the scene Thursday night. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)
Crump released this statement from Bradford’s family: “Our family is completely shocked, heartbroken and devastated at the tragic death of our beloved ‘E.J.’ E.J. 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 our working with our legal team to determine exactly what happened and why this police officer killed our son. We will never forget E.J. and ask for your continued prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
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“We’re going to explore every possible legal avenue available to this family on the state and federal level. What the family wants most is justice,” Crump said in Sunday’s news conference. “White men commit mass shootings, other crimes – police pursue them and capture them alive. “But when it’s a young black man, it’s always a confusing situation.” Black men aren’t given the benefit of the doubt.”
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case per the request of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Image via family of E.J. Bradford