UPDATE 11:45AM
Small is undergoing surgery Monday for being shot in the cheek in South Africa.
News 5 is told he’s been in and out of sedation. He was supposed to come home Monday, but instead will return later this week.
UPDATE 6:30 AM
That optimistic post has since been deleted. It originally said “I’m having a good time over here in Africa. I had a small incident, but I’m doing fine. I will be back in the states this week. Thanks for all your concerns…”
You can see the original post in a screen grab below. No word on why the post was taken down.
UPDATE MONDAY, 6:10 AM
In a Facebook post on his personal page CJ Small said he’s doing fine after being shot.
DEVELOPING STORY:
Mobile City Councilman C.J. Small Jr. was shot in the face while on a trip in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday, News 5 has learned.
The shooting occurred after the tour bus he was riding was ambushed and patrons were robbed, according to a statement released by the family.
Small is listed in stable condition and is currently being treated in a Johannesburg, South African Hospital. He along with several others were robbed of their belongings and cell phones.
News 5 is told Small was the only person shot in the attack, although others were injured. Reverend Patrick Munnerlyn tells News 5 he’s heard news that Small’s sister was among those injured.
A family member is there with Small while they await word that he can safely travel back to the United States.
On social media, there has been an outpouring of support and prayers for Small, including from Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and others.
“I was distressed to learn this morning that Councilman Small was injured while traveling overseas. Based upon what we know about his condition, I encourage everyone to pray for his full and complete recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with CJ’s family. We stand ready to assist them to ensure his safe return.” — Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson
“We work very closely… we were texting yesterday afternoon, 24 hours from when all this happened.” — Debi Foster, who worked with small on community projects
“The family is keeping us informed as best they can. Right now the focus is making sure CJ is getting the medical care he needs.” — Gina Gregory, Mobile City Council President
“God is with CJ and we are too. It is clear to me that God has work for CJ to do. For that purpose he spared him. We join Council President Gregory in her words of sympathy for us all. We love CJ and await his return.” — Councilman Fred Richardson
The family is working with the US Consulate Office in Johannesburg South Africa as well as the Secretary of State in Washington D.C.
The family asks that their privacy be respected during this delicate matter.
Small was in South Africa attending The South African Funeral Director & Morticians Association Convention. Smalls is the owner of Small’s Mortuary & Cremations Services. They have locations in Mobile, Theodore and Fairhope. He is also a member of the Alabama Funeral Director & Morticians Association.
“We are relieved that Councilman Small is in stable condition and are praying for a speedy recovery.” — Mobile City Council
Small is a native and resident of Mobile, Alabama and has served on the Mobile City Council since 2012.
His bio on the Mobile City Website reads as follows:
C. J. Small is a native and resident of Mobile, AL. He is 1997 graduate of John S. Shaw High School and an active and dedicated member of the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves as a Church Trustee, Sunday School Musician and Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Teachers. He received his Associates degree in Funeral Services from Gupton-Jones College in Atlanta, GA in 2000 and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL in 2008.
He is the owner of Small’s Mortuary & Cremations Services, serving the Alabama Gulf Coast with locations in Mobile, Theodore and Fairhope, AL. He is a member of the Alabama Funeral Director & Morticians Association where he is the District 1 Representative, a member of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, serves as Secretary of the Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, a member of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Board of Directors for Mobile Civic Center, City of Mobile Citizen’s Budget & Finance Advisory Committee and Oakdale Community Service Club. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he was named 2011 “Kappa Man of the Year,” a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile and a member of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association where he was also King of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association in 2008. He is the Chaplain of the MLK Adult Mardi Gras Association, a Partner in Education with the Mobile Public School System and sponsors one of the largest toy drives in the City of Mobile during the Christmas holidays for less fortunate children.