FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER – Hoover officials postponed the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which was scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29, in the wake of a deadly shooting at the Riverchase Galleria and subsequent protests.

“In respect of the loss of life and the tragic events that occurred on Thanksgiving evening in our city, we are postponing the Tree Lighting scheduled at Hoover City Hall until a later date,” read a release from the city.

Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. was killed by Hoover police during the incident on Thursday, Nov. 22. An altercation in the mall resulted in gunshot wounds to two patrons, and then Bradford was shot by police responding to the scene.

Police have said Bradford likely did not fire the shots that wounded the other two victims, and protests have since been held in the city.

“During this time, we continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to the family of Mr. Emantic ‘EJ’ Fitzgerald Bradford, Jr. and all others affected by those events,” the release read. “We want healing for the community, and we invite all persons of every faith to pray for the Bradford family and encourage all houses of worship to pray for God’s help in unifying our community.”