FERGUSON, Mo. - Read full statements to the grand jury's decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown.
Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr., parents of Michael Brown, Jr.:
"We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions.
"While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen.
"Join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera.
"We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction.
"Let's not just make noise, let's make a difference."
Ferguson Commission co-chairs Rev. Starsky Wilson and Rich McClure:
"This is a difficult day for our community. With a decision made, we look to residents from all walks of life to join us and come together to work on the difficult challenges we face in our region. A path forward will not be easy, and we will struggle. But our commitment is clear and strong – we will listen, focus on the underlying issues, and work toward practical and lasting solutions. We believe in our community's ability to rise to this challenge. There is a lot of energy on this issue in the community that we hope to see channeled into the Commission's work. We encourage residents to share their feedback on our website stlpositivechange.org and attend the upcoming community meetings. And, we're confident we can work with the community and one another to make St. Louis a better place for all."
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley issued the following statement after the grand jury came to a decision to not indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson:
"The Grand Jury has done its work and now we must do ours. This will be a long road but it is one we must surely travel. There are so many issues we have to address but I know the people in this community are ready. I know we are able and we will move forward.
"We must continue to talk and then we have to act. We cannot lose the opportunity that has been presented to us.
"Keeping people safe should be everyone's top priority. I understand that people are certainly emotional but please think before you act."
St. Louis County Executive-Elect Steve Stenger:
"We have been awaiting the Grand Jury decision for some time. Now that the announcement has been made, we must come together and move forward as one community, focused on positive change.
"Today's decision by the grand jury causes pain to many in our community, pain that goes beyond the outcome of this case.
"It is now the time to begin the process of mending divided communities. Many voices have been heard on the important issues involved. We must continue to listen –but we must also be prepared to act.
"Our community must recognize the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented to us to make positive change for all of St. Louis County.
"We are in a time of transition in St. Louis County. My work is under way to form a government for our county that is truly representative of and for all of its many residents. On January 1, a new county government will be in place and will begin to address these important issues in positive and innovative ways.
"Real and lasting change can only come from non-violent, peaceful dialogue coupled with positive action that brings us together rather than divides us."
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon:
"While the 12 men and women on the St. Louis County grand jury have concluded their work, the rest of us have much more work to do in order to use the lessons we have learned these past four months to create safer, stronger and more united communities.
"As we continue to await word on the U.S. Justice Department's ongoing investigation, I urge all those voicing their opinions regarding the grand jury's decision to do so peacefully. I also urge everyone to continue working to make positive changes that will yield long-term social, economic and spiritual benefits for all our communities.
"My commitment to the people of the region and state is this: I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and protect your right to speak. We must also make a commitment to one another: to trust more and fear less, to hold ourselves to a higher standard of personal responsibility and mutual respect, and to keep working to extend the promise of America to all our citizens.
"It is my continued hope and expectation that peace will prevail. The world is watching. I am confident that together we will demonstrate the true strength and character of this region, and seize this opportunity to build a more just and prosperous future for all."
State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis):
"I have long been on the opposing side of prosecutor Bob McCulloch on the Michael Brown grand jury case. I even started a petition, which received approximately 117,000 signatures, calling for his removal from the case. The prosecutor has a history with the African-American community in this city, leading me and many of my colleagues to believe he would not be able to remain unbiased on this case, even though it has been made clear that the outcome of this case could very possibly lead to further unrest and public suspicion of our local law enforcement.
"I won't stand by and say that I'm not frustrated or disappointed with today's actions. It is okay to be angry and hurt by, or even protest because of, what has happened here today. However, it is not okay to destroy our communities or hold our neighbors hostage in their homes.
"With this decision comes the opportunity to begin the healing process. We must come together as citizens of this diverse community and we must raise our voices for peace. Let us now continue down the path to a healing place for the St. Louis region. There are no more words to describe this tragic situation that have not already been said. My very heart goes out to Michael Brown's family. But what we need to recognize on this day is that, despite the grand jury's decision, those who have stood for justice since the beginning will continue to reshape our communities by our positive actions and our strength.
"As a legislator, one of my roles is to restructure our city through policy. As we get closer to the beginning of the next legislative session, I will continue to work on bills that will help our city heal. I will be sponsoring a few pieces of legislation that will work toward that goal. One would dissolve all the villages that exist currently in St. Louis County and place the governance of those villages under the authority of unincorporated St. Louis County. The second would tighten current statute regarding the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer. Yet another, calls for a special prosecutor to be named in the event of any law-enforcement-officer-involved shooting.
"We stand at a turning point in history. How we move forward is up to us. United we stand, divided we fall. Let's work together to make our future a better and brighter place."
Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis:
"For several months our community has nervously waited as a grand jury has deliberated the evidence in the shooting death of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson. I and other religious and civic leaders have repeatedly called for prayer, peace, and calm. Since the grand jury received the case in August, we have seen offensive and violent outbursts by protesters, and acts of civil disobedience. Despite our calls for peace, which Michael Brown's family have echoed, we continue to see that segments of our community have not fully renounced the tendency to lash out with antagonistic behavior and violence.
"I implore each of you: Choose peace! Reject any false and empty hope that violence will solve problems. Violence only creates more violence. Let's work for a better, stronger, more holy community— one founded upon respect for each other, respect for life, and our shared responsibility for the common good.
"In 1979, Saint John Paul II visited the war-torn and weary nation of Ireland to decry years of violence. 'Violence is evil…' the pope said. 'Violence is unacceptable as a solution to problems.' How true this saint's words are. He didn't merely condemn violence; he also aptly described the depravity of violent behavior by saying:
"'Violence is unworthy of man. Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth of our faith, the truth of our humanity. Violence destroys what it claims to defend: the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings. Violence is a crime against humanity, for it destroys the very fabric of society.'
"Drawing inspiration from St. John Paul II, one of the 20th century's preeminent figures of hope and peace, I issue the following challenges to members of our community:
"Commit to learning how to truly love each other. If we do this, then we will learn to love our neighbor. Show children the path of forgiveness and we will see walls of division crumble. Your homes are the foundation of our community. If your homes are full of forgiveness, they will be temples of peace. Our communities, cities, state, and nation will enjoy a lasting, fulfilling peace only if it begins in the home.
"I again echo the words of St. John Paul II: 'make your streets and neighborhoods centers of peace and reconciliation. It would be a crime against youth and their future to let even one child grow up with nothing but the experience of violence and hate.'
"Youth, remember that you are not only creating the world of tomorrow, but you are a vital part of the world today. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians: 'For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.' So, ask yourself: Are you sowing seeds of division, resentment, and discontent? These will only lead to anger and hatred. Choose instead to sow seeds of reconciliation, dignity, honor, and respect. Begin creating the world you want to see. Do not listen to those who instigate aggression. Reject violence. Embrace peace.
"Please pray. Pray unceasingly for peace. Pray for our leaders and pray for your neighbors. If you feel called to act, do so only after prayer. Blessed Mother Teresa knew the proper formula. She spent a holy hour in prayer every day; it was only after prayer that she would serve. So, too, must it be for us.
"Finally, I issue this challenge to all religious, political, social and law enforcement leaders: Join me in asking the Lord to make us instruments of peace. We, as leaders, need wisdom, compassion, and courage in order to combat the brokenness and division that confronts us. We must be leaders who help heal, not inflict hurt. We must be leaders who can come together to address issues like family breakdown, racial profiling, quality education, abuses of authority, lack of gainful employment, fear of one another, mistrust of authority, and many other needs. We must ask the tough questions and find lasting solutions.
"To that end, I reiterate my commitments which I made at our Mass for Peace and Justice at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis on August 20:
"My pledge of support, and that of the Archdiocese, to assist the churches in Ferguson and the surrounding area to deal with issues of poverty and racism they have in their hearts.
"The establishment of the commission on human rights in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
"That the St. Charles Lwanga Center study and offer concrete solutions to decrease violence in our communities.
"An ongoing commitment to provide scholarships, so that young people can get a quality education in our Catholic schools.
"That each priest in the Archdiocese of St. Louis to offer a Mass for Peace and Justice.
"These are small, initial steps. Long-term solutions will ultimately come about when we are quick to apologize for our faults, and quick to forgive the faults of others.
"With the grand jury decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson, I know that many feel hurt, betrayed, forgotten, and powerless. I know anger, disappointment, and resentment, and fear abound in our community at this moment. But we must accept this decision as the proper functioning of our justice system. In our collective desire for justice, we can be blinded by the poisonous desire for vengeance, which can be contagious and bring a desire for violence. We all want justice, so we should respect the integrity of our system of justice as something that aims for the common good.
"This grand jury decision is not an excuse for more violence. Now is the time to channel emotions in a way that helps build up our community, to become more active in your church or religious community, to volunteer at a food pantry or community service organization, to take part in political activity, to mentor a young person. Whatever you do, do not lash out with violence at your brothers and sisters. Do not seek to destroy or divide. Instead, we must come together as a community through prayer, mutual understanding, and forgiveness if we are to obtain peace. Rather than fuel the fires of hatred and division, we should strive for peace in our own hearts and share it with those around us. Violence does not lead to peace; they are opposing forces and cannot coexist.
"I urge everyone to join me in praying for the Brown family as they continue to grieve the loss of Michael, as well as for police officer Darren Wilson and his family. Both families need prayers now more than ever.
"With profound hope in the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the intercession of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, I ask all the faithful in the Archdiocese of St. Louis as well as all people of faith to join me in praying for peace and justice in our community."
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Inc.:
"The killing of Michael Brown has forever left a void in the hearts and lives of his parents, family and friends, who lost a son and a loved one much too soon. The killing of Michael Brown has also brought to light many of the unfortunate blemishes - criminal justice disparities, volatile police-community relations, unemployment and economic inequities - that tarnish our great nation and that prevent us from being the best that we can be.
"This tragedy has exposed the persistent state of emergency that grips not only Ferguson, but our nation as a whole. It's a condition that is tied to the unjust killings of Black people and the dismal economic conditions in urban communities across America, where hope is often replaced by fear and where, for many, the American Dream has become a thing of the past.
"We keenly understand that the function of government is to uphold the rights of all citizens in every town, city, and state. The declared state of emergency in Ferguson and the surrounding St. Louis area must serve to protect both the lives and well-being of citizens and their rights to speak and assemble peacefully. Anything less is another injustice."
Congressman William 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 Darren 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."
Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) issued this statement:
"Michael Brown's death was a tragic loss for his family and for the community. Since August, I've been in close touch with clergy members and other local leaders, and I believe we all agree our first priority is peacefully healing and rebuilding the community after months of unrest.
"We must balance the rights of Americans to exercise their free speech alongside the rights of people to live peacefully and safely in their communities. I join Michael Brown's family in urging protestors to do so peacefully.
"I've talked extensively to law enforcement officials to learn more about the tactics, resources, and procedures that our first responders utilize statewide. Law enforcement officials have been candid in identifying ways officers could have handled the situation in Ferguson better, and I trust those recommendations will be helpful as we continue to count on them to protect us.
"My thoughts are with Michael Brown's family today, as well as those in law enforcement who continue to protect the rights of all they serve, the National Guard members we ask to step forward during difficult times in our state, and all of their family members.
"Michael's death was tragic, and the months since this tragedy have marked a challenging time in Ferguson and across Missouri. Together, I know we can move forward and heal as we work to find better job opportunities in and more investment for challenged communities."
Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri):
"There will be many people who are disappointed in today's decision, even though it is a result of a deliberate legal process that's being independently checked by Attorney General Eric Holder and the U.S. Justice Department. While we await the conclusion of that independent investigation—and continue working together for solutions to systemic issues highlighted by this tragedy—I'm praying that the good people of St. Louis and local law enforcement will remain peaceful and respectful of one another."
Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-Missouri):
"As a mother, I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. My thoughts and prayers are with both Michael Brown's and Darren Wilson's families during this difficult time.
"For the last three months, a grand jury of 12 randomly selected jurors methodically and thoroughly poured through facts and evidence to seek the truth and uphold justice. Today, after a lengthy process, the grand jury reached its decision that the evidence did not support the indictment of police officer Darren Wilson. We must have faith in our judicial system and that all the facts led the grand jury to a just and fair decision. Now it's time for us all to heal together as a community.
"I am grateful for the men and women of law enforcement who work to serve and protect us each and every day – they live in our community, share our values and deserve our utmost respect. I hope all Americans will join me and countless others as we pray for peace in our community."
Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO:
"The NAACP stands with citizens and communities who are deeply disappointed that the grand jury did not indict Darren Wilson for the tragic death of Michael Brown, Jr. We stand committed to continue our fight against racial profiling, police brutality and the militarization of local authorities. The death of Michael Brown and actions by the Ferguson Police Department is a distressing symptom of the untested and overaggressive policing culture that has become commonplace in communities of color all across the country. We will remain steadfast in our fight to pass the End Racial Profiling federal legislation. And we stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters and uphold that their civil rights not be violated as both demonstrators and authorities observe the 'rules of engagement.' The grand jury's decision does not mean a crime was not committed in Ferguson, Missouri, nor does it mean we are done fighting for Michael Brown, Jr. At this difficult hour, we commend the courage and commitment of Michael Brown's family, as well as local and national coalition partners."
Rev. Darlene Nipper, Deputy Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force:
"People across this nation feel angry and outraged by this decision. Justice has been denied today to the parents of Michael Brown, the community of Ferguson, and an entire nation that continues to battle with racially motivated homicides and violence targeting black and brown males. No one should ever live in fear of walking down a street in their neighborhood and being killed by a police officer—the very officials who are meant to protect not take our lives.
"As Americans, we have a moral obligation to speak up and stand up against injustice. All lives matter! Anyone who takes someone's life must be brought to justice. We cannot allow the murders of young Black men such as Michael Brown or Trayvon Martin to continue.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Michael Brown and the entire community of Ferguson. We will continue to stand with Ferguson — a community that has mobilized to protest excessive use of force by local authorities, organized to shed light on the ongoing racial profiling by police, built coalitions to challenge the lack of transparency and accountability by local officials and transform a system and a community.
"And while we thank the U.S. Attorney General's office for monitoring the situation in Ferguson, we still have our work cut out for us. We will continue working with the Justice Department to bring cultural competency to local police and pushing Congress to pass the 'End Racial Profiling Act.' Together, we must also redouble our efforts in advocating for reform in the criminal justice system and to end racial profiling by police.
"While this decision is shocking and painful for millions, we can't let our heartbreak diminish our collective resolve to achieve freedom, justice and equality — and to do it deliberatively and peacefully."
Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri:
"The grand jury's decision does not negate the fact that Michael Brown's tragic death is part of an alarming national trend of officers using excessive force against people of color, often during routine encounters. Yet in most cases, the officers and police departments are not held accountable. While many officers carry out their jobs with respect for the communities they serve, we must confront the profound disconnect and disrespect that many communities of color experience with their local law enforcement.
"The ACLU will continue to fight for racial justice. We must end the prevailing policing paradigm where police departments are more like occupying forces, imposing their will to control communities. This 'us' versus 'them' policing antagonizes communities by casting a blanket of suspicion over entire neighborhoods, often under the guise of preventing crime.
"To build trust, we need a democratic system of policing where our communities have an equal say in the way their neighborhoods are policed. Collaboration, transparency and communication between police and communities around the shared goals of equality, fairness and public safety is the path forward."
Amnesty International USA Executive Director Steven W. Hawkins:
"Following today's announcement, there cannot be a repeat of the abuses that occurred in the policing of protests in August and the current state of emergency must not be used to violate human rights by any level of law enforcement. Officers are duty-bound to facilitate the right to peaceful protest, not impede it.
"The events in Ferguson touched off a long-overdue and much-needed conversation about race and policing that must continue long after today. The community must be reassured about what measures will be taken to prevent unnecessary or excessive force from being used in the future, not only in Ferguson but throughout the United States. The actions of law enforcement in the next few days will be absolutely critical to instilling trust within the community. Amnesty International and, indeed, the world, will be watching."
Darlene Green, City of St. Louis Comptroller:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Michael Brown as they receive the news and prepare for the holidays without their son. It is my prayer that in the weeks and months ahead, our community will seek to live together peaceably, work together with respect, and engage in creating positive changes to improve social and economic justice for all people.
"The name 'Michael Brown' from Ferguson, Missouri will forever be connected with the protest and unrest that brought to light the social injustices that exist here in America. Let's not lose sight of the fact that a young man's life was cut short 3½ months ago and now, I hope the death of Michael Brown will not be in vain. Business as usual in the St. Louis region must change."
U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson:
"Once again, our hearts go out to the family of Michael Brown who tragically lost his life much too soon, as well as to the entire Ferguson community, which has endured the consequences of this event and its aftermath. The nation's mayors strongly believe that there should have been open-court proceedings in the case of the officer-involved shooting of Michael Brown so that the evidence could have been presented in a public forum, and a verdict could have been rendered by a jury.
"We hope that prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch will release the full transcript and audio proceedings of the Grand Jury as he promised in September. This will ensure that Michael Brown's family, as well as the community and the American public will have a greater understanding of what happened on August 9. As leaders of cities across the country, we are committed to working with our communities to ensure that this tragedy is never repeated.
"There is an understandable feeling of discontent in the community, and there will no doubt be protests. Our hope is that any demonstrations that occur will be peaceful and nonviolent so that we can begin to heal from this difficult time."
Dr. Chris L. Nicastro, commissioner of education for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
"We urge everyone to join us in keeping the communities of North County in your thoughts and prayers. Moving forward, we will continue to provide support necessary to school districts in the area."
