Despite escalating protests in the city, the members of the Hoover City Council are continuing to stay the course as a proper investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation unfolds, with the council encouraging unity and praying that “God’s light” overcome “darkness.”
The following statement was read aloud at the council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Monday evening and represents all of its members:
The Hoover City Council wants to publicly extend sympathy to the family of E.J. Bradford, Jr. and will continue to support them through prayer. We also pray for those injured or in any other way affected. The Council wants to formally express their regret for the misinformation provided to the public that later implicated E.J. Bradford, Jr. as the shooter in the November 22nd incident of violence. As leaders in our City, the council members re-affirm our commitment to public safety, fair and equitable treatment of all people, and respect for the law. We ask for patience and peace as the ongoing investigation of this incident is conducted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and promise to do all in our power to encourage unity over division. In the words of Mother Teresa, “There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.” We, as the Hoover City Council, believe that God’s light can and will overcome the darkness of this tragedy if we all seek it together.
This came during the same meeting that had to be abruptly adjourned because protesters would not follow the rules for public comment, attempting to use mob rule and shouting en masse during their allotted speaking times.
After a protester confronted the mayor loudly at Hoover council mtg, police moved to front; other protesters warned Carlos Chaverst Jr. not to lay a hand on the mayor; Chaverst left and Pastor Mike McClure said outbursts were not ignorance but sign of hurting; led in prayer
— Jon Anderson (@jonandersonnews) December 4, 2018
Earlier in the day, Hoover officials announced that they would adhere to ALEA’s firm request that they not release any evidence or information, including video footage, pertaining to the Riverchase Galleria shooting prior to the conclusion of the investigation. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor has warned that a premature release of information, evidence or video footage could prejudice or undermine the investigation, hurting all parties involved.
However, the protesters are still demanding immediate release of the video footage, as well as the arrest for “capital murder” of the officer who shot and killed Emantic “E.J.” Bradford, Jr.
Protest leaders are also threatening to release the name, address and photo of this officer if their list of demands, including at least one that Hoover does not even control, is not met by noon on Tuesday.
One of these leaders, Le’Darius Hilliard, told reporters before the city council meeting that they are “pretty sure” they have the correct officer.
Watch the abrupt ending of the council meeting:
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
