Hoover city officials Friday sought to reassure Christmas shoppers that they will be safe, amid a threat of new protests stemming from a fatal police shooting. City Administrator Allan Rice said Hoover police will be present at the Galleria, and other locations, to ensure safety. He advised shoppers who encounter a demonstration to avoid confrontations. "They should go on about their business, they will be kept safe by the Hoover Police Department," Rice said. "We don't want [shoppers] to try to engage anybody who might be involved in any kind of a protest or demonstration." Other area law enforcement agencies were expected to assist Hoover police. The NAACP said it was planning a candlelight vigil for Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr. in the mall parking lot on Saturday evening.