Bradford Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family of Emantic “EJ” Bradford, Jr., a young black man killed by a Hoover police officer a year ago, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Friday over his death. Attorneys for the family allege the officer did not follow proper procedure around the incident.
Shots rang out at the Riverchase Galleria mall on Thanksgiving night last year and within seconds a responding police officer shot and killed the 21-year-old. Hoover Police initially said Bradford was the shooter, before admitting a day later they were wrong. Protests and marches roiled the community for weeks.
The lawsuit names the City of Hoover and the officer who shot Bradford, whom officials have not identified publicly. Attorneys say that the officer failed to issue a verbal warning before shooting, violating recommended policing procedures.
“They never gave EJ Bradford a chance,” said family lawyer Ben Crump. “Because the police shot first and asked questions later and violated policies and procedures, EJ Bradford is no longer with us today.”
At a press conference marking one year since the shooting, attorney Devon Jacob called Hoover’s policing policies “deplorable” and “below standard.”
“This is not just about one person being shot in the Galleria. This is about everybody’s right to lawfully possess a handgun,” Jacob said. Bradford was holding a handgun when he was shot. The family says Bradford was trying to help others when the initial shooting occurred.
Those at the press conference called on Hoover to release the name of the officer and all video related to the case. Another lawsuit has been filed seeking that information. The latest lawsuit seeks compensatory damages among other relief.
“This lawsuit is to bring change so that no other mother or father has to go through this,” Bradford’s mother, April Pipkins, said. “We’re going to fight every step of the way. We will not back down.”
A statement from Hoover City Attorney Phillip Corley says officials will vigorously defend against the lawsuit. It points to reviews by the Alabama Attorney General and the U.S. Justice Department that found no criminal wrongdoing by the officer.
“The many allegations made against the City of Hoover in the days and weeks following the incident are false,” Corley said. “After all evidence is presented, no wrongdoing by the City or any of our officers will be shown.”
What’s that in the sky? We’re not sure, but the fireball was very bright
The object was likely either a meteor or space junk, with most sightings of the streak of light and fireball coming from Georgia and South Carolina, the National Weather Service said.
Prosecution says Combs used ‘violence, power and fear’ to control victims
On Thursday, the government delivered closing arguments in the sex trafficking trial of Combs. The rapper and executive is accused of coercing multiple women into sexual encounters with male escorts.
‘Mission: Impossible’ composer Lalo Schifrin dies at 93
Argentine pianist and composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for his scores for Mission: Impossible and more than 200 other films and TV shows, including Bullitt, Mannix and Cool Hand Luke, has died.
Bill Moyers, the former White House press secretary turned acclaimed TV journalist, dead at 91
Bill Moyers, the former White House press secretary who became one of television's most honored journalists, has died at 91.
Obliterated? Damaged? Inoperable? What’s known about Iran’s nuclear facilities
Iran's nuclear program has been dealt a blow, here's an overview of the current state of its facilities.
Are you a military veteran who has been charged money to apply for VA benefits?
If you're a veteran who has been charged a fee to get help on your application for a VA disability rating or other benefits, NPR wants to hear from you!