Eric Holder asks Ferguson for ‘cooperation and patience’

[cal04]

From Eric Holder: A message to the people of Ferguson

Since the Aug. 9 shooting death of Michael Brown, the nation and the world have witnessed the unrest that has gripped Ferguson, Mo. At the core of these demonstrations is a demand for answers about the circumstances of this young man’s death and a broader concern about the state of our criminal justice system.

At a time when so much may seem uncertain, the people of Ferguson can have confidence that the Justice Department intends to learn — in a fair and thorough manner — exactly what happened.

Wednesday, I will be in Ferguson to be briefed on the federal civil rights investigation that I have closely monitored since I launched it more than one week ago. I will meet personally with community leaders, FBI investigators and federal prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to receive detailed briefings on the status of this case.

(snip)
This is my pledge to the people of Ferguson: Our investigation into this matter will be full, it will be fair, and it will be independent. And beyond the investigation itself, we will work with the police, civil rights leaders, and members of the public to ensure that this tragedy can give rise to new understanding — and robust action — aimed at bridging persistent gaps between law enforcement officials and the communities we serve. Long after the events of Aug. 9 have receded from the headlines, the Justice Department will continue to stand with this community.

As we move forward together, I ask for the public’s cooperation and patience. And I urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the FBI by dialing 800-CALL-FBI, option 4.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/a-message-to-the-people-of-ferguson/article_ea8b7358-67a3-5187-af8c-169567f27a0d.html

Eric Holder asks Ferguson for ‘cooperation and patience’
Holder’s visit was announced by President Barack Obama during a speech on Monday. The attorney general has pledged to meet in Missouri with FBI investigators, federal prosecutors, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as community leaders in city, which has been embroiled in chaos since the Aug. 9 shooting. In his message to the citizens of Ferguson, Holder said that he has been monitoring events closely, and that dozens of FBI agents and prosecutors have already interviewed “hundreds” of people in an attempt to learn more about Brown’s death.

Holder also pointed out that, at his direction, an independent autopsy of Brown’s body was conducted on Monday. A statement released by the Justice Department noted that the federal autopsy was performed “by one of the most experienced medical examiners in the United States military.”

The attorney general is also vowing that the Justice Department will “defend the right of protesters to peacefully demonstrate and for the media to cover a story that must be told.”

He added, however, that violence “cannot be condoned.” Holder continued, “I urge the citizens of Ferguson who have been peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights to join with law enforcement in condemning the actions of looters, vandals and others seeking to inflame tensions and sow discord.”
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/atty-gen-eric-holder-asks-ferguson-cooperation-and-patience?cid=sm_m_main_1_20140820_30100796

[gordianot]

1. Good luck with the Ferguson Police Chief for starters.