Alabama Officer's Shooting of Man During Mall Incident Ruled Justified
“After an extensive investigation and review, the Attorney General has determined Officer 1 did not commit a crime under Alabama law when he shot and killed E.J. Bradford and thus the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct preclude presentation of this case to a grand jury,” Marshall’s report states.
A Hoover, AL, police officer was justified in fatally shooting Emantic Fitzgerald “EJ” Bradford Jr. Thanksgiving night inside the Riverchase Galleria, state officials announced Tuesday.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall shared a report following a more than two-month investigation into 21-year-old Bradford’s death. AL.com reports.
The report also detailed the investigation into the gunfire inside the mall that injured 18-year-old Brian Wilson and 12-year-old bystander Molly Davis moments before Hoover police killed Bradford. Erron Brown, 20, is charged with attempted murder in the shooting of Wilson.
“After an extensive investigation and review, the Attorney General has determined Officer 1 did not commit a crime under Alabama law when he shot and killed E.J. Bradford and thus the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct preclude presentation of this case to a grand jury,” Marshall’s report states.
“The facts of this case demonstrate that Officer 1 reasonably exercised his official powers, duties, or functions when he shot” Bradford, the report continues.
Bradford’s family spoke after meeting with representatives from the AG’s Office and learning the Hoover police officer who shot Bradford will not be charged. Bradford’s father, Emantic Bradford Sr., said the shooting was a murder and called for justice.
“The video tells the whole story,” the Bradford’s family attorney, Benjamin Crump, said. “He was running away, like everybody else.” Crump said Bradford ran almost 50 feet, before realizing his friend wasn’t with him. “He took his gun out and went back, trying to protect his friend,” Crump said.
“Officer 1” and his partner were working on-duty in the Galleria when they heard gunfire from 75 feet away. The two officers encountered Bradford within three seconds. Bradford, the report states, “held a firearm in a ready position.” The two officers charged forward.
“Several persons were in Bradford’s path. Immediately before him, Brian Wilson lay on the ground, bleeding from his gunshot wounds and a 18-year-old (name redacted in report; only identified as “AC”) stood over Wilson,” the report continues. “Beyond them, Erron Brown (the initial shooter) and his companions were running for JC Penney, while several innocent bystanders were scrambling for cover.”
It was then that Officer 1 identified Bradford “as an immediate threat to innocent civilians and thus shot Bradford to eliminate the threat,” the report adds.
More Patrol

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →