President Barack Obama has issued a statement on the Aug. 9 killing of 18-year old Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. The killing of Brown has sparked outrage in the Midwestern community; and the resulting simmering tensions eventually became violent after police moved in to quell the protesters that had gathered for a vigil Saturday evening. Things continued to escalate on Sunday and into the week; as details continue to emerge from witnesses regarding the shooting.
Police in riot gear reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd that gathered on Monday night; with vehicles blocked from exiting the vicinity.
Today, the President urged for all parties to be patient with the outcome of the investigation into the shooting.
“The death of Michael Brown is heartbreaking, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and his community at this very difficult time,” President Obama states. “As Attorney General Holder has indicated, the Department of Justice is investigating the situation along with local officials, and they will continue to direct resources to the case as needed.
“I know the events of the past few days have prompted strong passions, but as details unfold, I urge everyone in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country, to remember this young man through reflection and understanding.
“We should comfort each other and talk with one another in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds. Along with our prayers, that’s what Michael and his family, and our broader American community, deserve.”
While police reports have claimed that Brown attempted to seize a weapon and initiated an altercation with the officer in question; the victim’s friend, Dorian Johnson, who was walking with Brown when the incident occurred, said the officer opened fire when the young men refused to move from the middle of the street to the sidewalk. He also told reporters that Brown’s hands were over his head. The authorities said that Brown was shot a number of times.
No reported charges have been filed against the officer accused of killing the teenager, who was visiting his grandmother in the St. Louis suburb. The Ferguson police revealed Aug. 12 that they would not be releasing the officer’s name to the media, for safety reasons. On Monday, the F.B.I. opened a civil rights inquiry into the shooting.
