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.”
US launches new retaliatory strike in Syria, killing leader tied to deadly Islamic State ambush
A third round of retaliatory strikes by the U.S. in Syria has resulted in the death of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader, said U.S. Central Command.
NASA rolls out Artemis II craft ahead of crewed lunar orbit
Mission Artemis plans to send Americans to the moon for the first time since the Nixon administration.
Trump says 8 EU countries to be charged 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
In a post on social media, Trump said a 10% tariff will take effect on Feb. 1, and will climb to 25% on June 1 if a deal is not in place for the United States to purchase Greenland.
‘Not for sale’: massive protest in Copenhagen against Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland
Thousands of people rallied in Copenhagen to push back on President Trump's rhetoric that the U.S. should acquire Greenland.
Uganda’s longtime leader declared winner in disputed vote
Museveni claims victory in Uganda's contested election as opposition leader Bobi Wine goes into hiding amid chaos, violence and accusations of fraud.
Opinion: Remembering Ai, a remarkably intelligent chimpanzee
We remember Ai, a highly intelligent chimpanzee who lived at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University for most of her life, except the time she escaped and walked around campus.
