Police continue to search for the gunman behind a shooting Thursday night at an Alabama mall that left an 18-year-old young man and a 12-year-old girl with gunshot wounds.
Investigators said Friday that a man killed by police and initially believed to be the gunman “likely did not fire the rounds that injured the 18-year-old victim.” He was identified as 21-year-old Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr.
The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Thursday at Riverchase Galleria as shoppers began looking for Black Friday deals.
Bradford’s family members said Saturday in a statement that they are “completely shocked, heartbroken and devastated at the tragic death of our beloved ‘EJ.’”
“EJ was a devoted son and brother, who dedicated his life to serving his country and always doing the right thing,” the statement said. “As we continue to grieve, rest assured, that we are working diligently with our legal team to determine exactly what happened and why this police officer killed our son. We will never forget EJ, and ask for your continued prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Bradford family hired civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump to act as their attorney.
Earlier Saturday, about 200 people marched through Riverchase Galleria in protest of Thursday’s shooting.
The Associated Press reported protesters held a moment of silence for Bradford at the spot where he was shot and killed. His stepmother, Cynthia, told the crowd Bradford was “a respectful young man” and the son of a Birmingham police officer.
Family members said he served in the U.S. Army, although an Army spokesman told CNN he did not serve.
