FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 24, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT:
STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029

STATEMENT BY
CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURIREGARDING ST. LOUIS COUNTY GRAND JURY DECISION IN THE POLICE KILLING OF MICHAEL BROWN, JR.

NOTE:  The following is a
first-person statement from
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri

"From the beginning of this tragic case, I have repeatedly expressed my grave concerns about the local investigation into the police killing of Michael Brown, Jr.

Today...sadly, we see that those concerns were well-founded.

The grand jury's decision to not indict Officer Darin Wilson is extremely disappointing, but not unexpected.

Two days after Michael Brown was killed, I contacted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to request the urgent assistance of the Department of Justice.

I am thankful that the Attorney General and his staff responded with great speed and strength.

He has assured me that the ongoing federal investigations will be extensive, vigorous, and will follow the facts, wherever they lead.

The pursuit of justice for Michael Brown, Jr. and his family is not over.

While I share the anger and frustration of so many in our community, I ask everyone to be peaceful.

Be prayerful.

And remain disciplined & dignified in everything that we must now do as we go forward together to confront the huge disparities that continue to deny equal protection under the law for persons of color in our region, and across this nation.

That is the best way to honor Michael Brown's memory."