Holder's statement (which gives me a little hope)

[kpete]

“While the grand jury proceeding in St. Louis County has concluded, the Justice Department’s investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown remains ongoing. Though we have shared information with local prosecutors during the course of our investigation, the federal inquiry has been independent of the local one from the start, and remains so now. Even at this mature stage of the investigation, we have avoided prejudging any of the evidence. And although federal civil rights law imposes a high legal bar in these types of cases, we have resisted forming premature conclusions.

“Michael Brown’s death was a tragedy. This incident has sparked a national conversation about the need to ensure confidence between law enforcement and the communities they protect and serve. While constructive efforts are underway in Ferguson and communities nationwide, far more must be done to create enduring trust. The Department will continue to work with law enforcement, civil rights, faith and community leaders across the country to foster effective relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve and to improve fairness in the criminal justice system overall. In addition, the Department continues to investigate allegations of unconstitutional policing patterns or practices by the Ferguson Police Department.

“Though there will be disagreement with the grand jury's decision not to indict, this feeling should not lead to violence. Those who decide to participate in demonstrations should remember the wishes of Michael Brown's parents, who have asked that remembrances of their son be conducted peacefully. It does not honor his memory to engage in violence or looting. In the coming days, it will likewise be important for local law enforcement authorities to respect the rights of demonstrators, and deescalate tensions by avoiding excessive displays—and uses—of force.”


http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-holder-statement-conclusion-grand-jury-proceeding-shooting-michael-brown

[grahamhgreen]

1. Reminder that the grand jury required 9 of 12 to proceed with indictment. A very high bar. AND

The defendant was allowed to testify, very unusual.

[Gothmog]

2. This also gives me some hope

[Ykcutnek]

3. This administration being in its final couple years makes it more likely. nt

[Wellstone ruled]

4. There is more going on here than

what we see at this moment. Is there a real threat to our President and Attorney General by a Agency or a well financed hate group? Reason for this statement of question is,seems to be a perceived threat against these folks by their statements and slow walk of justice against certain groups or individuals.

[Spazito]

5. AG Holder is completely rebutting the prosecutor's putrid attempt to include...

the federal investigation and AG Holder as if they were participants in the prosecutor's tainted process and inferring they were in agreement with the verdict:

"Though we have shared information with local prosecutors during the course of our investigation, the federal inquiry has been independent of the local one from the start, and remains so now."

[lovemydog]

7. Very perceptive Spazito.

Last edited Tue Nov 25, 2014, 07:17 PM - Edit history (1)

The prosecutor in that long rambling whiny statement last night kept trying to tie in Holder and the Department of Justice as though they were all acting in concert. They were not. The Department of Justice is conducting its own investigation.

Another thing about that press conference. The prosecutor said that it's the grand jury's job to 'separate fact from fiction.' That's not correct. It is the grand jury's job to determine whether enough probable cause exists to bring a case to trial.

[Spazito]

9. Exactly!

What the prosecutor did was to hold a trial, wilson vs Brown, where only one side, wilson's side, was presented. He held that trial under cover of a pretense in which he used a Grand Jury process to convict Michael Brown while ensuring there would be NO defense allowed.

It was beyond appalling and should not be allowed to stand, imo.

[yeoman6987]

6. I am hopeful, but was disappointed when

The Justice Department let Zimmerman go. I will hope for the best, but with caution.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

8. Better chance of a federal civil rights indictment of Wilson since he's a cop.

Whereas Zimmerman just wanted to be one, but was otherwise a private citizen.