Protests are back in Hoover, with the community and Alabamians across the state hoping that things will not spiral out of control.
On Tuesday, the attorney general’s office released a report explaining the conclusions of the investigation into E.J. Bradford’s death on Thanksgiving night at the Riverchase Galleria. Bradford was shot and killed by an on-duty Hoover Police Department officer, who was found “justified” in his actions as Bradford was running towards civilians with a loaded gun in a firing position at the scene of the initial shooting.
Protesters threatened to turn Hoover into another Ferguson, Missouri, or Baltimore, Maryland, after Bradford’s death, and now the end of the investigation is bringing them back onto the city’s streets.
Outlets are reporting that protesters involved with the Birmingham Justice League burned an American flag Tuesday evening. They also reportedly spray-painted “Black Lives Don’t Matter” on the flag and on the pavement.
Protesters spray paint “Black Lives Don’t Matter” on two American flags then burn them in front of Hoover City Hall pic.twitter.com/cvJeAqr7cS
— WVTM 13 (@WVTM13) February 6, 2019
The Justice League is led by Carlos Chaverst, Jr.
The flag burning occurred as the widow of murdered Birmingham Police Department Sgt. Wytasha Carter is set to attend the State of the Union Address.
A protest is starting to take form outside of Hoover City Hall. Protestors have organized after Attorney General Steve Marshall’s report was released stating that the officer who shot and killed EJ Bradford acted justifiably. pic.twitter.com/T2GxXqZN8Z
— Robert Sherman (@RobertShermanTV) February 6, 2019
This is breaking news and may be updated throughout the evening.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn