Crime
31-year-old Literrance Bratton killed in Birmingham shooting
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Sunday night in the Ensley neighborhood, leaving one man dead and a suspect in custody.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 31-year-old Literrance Leon Bratton, a resident of Birmingham.
The shooting took place at approximately 11:53 p.m. in the 2700 block of 30th Street in Ensley.
According to Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department, a nearby officer heard gunfire and observed two individuals attempting to flee the scene in a vehicle.
The officer initiated a short vehicle pursuit, which concluded near Aaron Aronov Drive and Valley Road in Fairfield.
One suspect was apprehended without incident and taken into custody.
Preliminary findings indicate that the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between Bratton and the suspect, which escalated into gunfire.
Bratton was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:08 a.m. Monday.
The suspect is currently being held on a 48-hour felony extension at the Birmingham City Jail as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
No additional details, including the suspect’s identity, have been released at this time.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Birmingham Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Crime
Watch: Jeffrey Epstein survivors release video calling on Congress to release the Epstein files
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse have released a powerful public message calling on Congress to declassify and release all documents connected to Epstein, his crimes, and those who may have enabled or participated in his trafficking network.
In the video statement, survivors emphasize that across five presidential administrations, they have waited without answers, transparency, or meaningful accountability.
More than three decades after Epstein’s crimes first came to light, they say critical information remains sealed, redacted, or otherwise inaccessible to the public — including to those who suffered directly as a result of his actions.
“For thirty years, we have waited in silence and uncertainty,” the message states. “We deserve the truth. The world deserves the truth. The time has come to bring the secrets out of the shadows.”
The group is urging lawmakers to support the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a proposed measure that would require the federal government to release investigative records, court materials, and relevant agency files associated with Epstein, his associates, and public institutions connected to the case.
Advocates argue that releasing the full record will not only expose systemic failures but also help prevent future exploitation by revealing networks, complicity, and loopholes that enabled Epstein to operate with impunity for decades.
In their call to action, survivors are asking the public to contact their elected officials and demand full transparency.
The video concludes with a unified plea:
“We are demanding the release of all Epstein files. The time is now. Call your member of Congress and tell them to vote YES on the Epstein Files Transparency Act.”
The movement continues to gain momentum nationally, with growing public support and increasing pressure on lawmakers to act.
Further updates will be provided as legislative developments unfold.