STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REPORT ON POLICE PATTERNS AND PRACTICES IN FERGUSON, MISSOURI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2015                   

MEDIA CONTACT:

STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029

STATEMENT BY

CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI

REGARDING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REPORT ON POLICE PATTERNS AND PRACTICES IN

FERGUSON, MISSOURI

NOTE:  The following is a

first-person statement from

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri

"Today's far-reaching report announced by Attorney General Holder represents an important path forward towards achieving equal justice under the law in Ferguson, Missouri and repairing some of the deep divisions and very real disparities in local law enforcement which that good community has endured for far too long.

The disturbing findings in this report demand urgent remedies which must be swiftly implemented without obstruction or delay, and without further denials of the painful and undeniable facts. 

It should serve as a template for transformational change, not just in Ferguson, but across this country.

The tragedy of Mike Brown's unnecessary death, along with the police killings of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice and many others…have illuminated, with the harsh light of truth, a system of local law enforcement and criminal justice that in too many cases, does not provide equal justice under the law to persons of color in this country.

While I am extremely disappointed that Mike Brown's killer will not face criminal charges, his death has forced our nation to begin a long overdue conversation on race and the disparities it continues to perpetuate for too many Americans.

I am extremely grateful that the Attorney General personally responded to my urgent request for help after the tragic police killing of Mike Brown with great strength and real concern.  His staff at the Justice Department has conducted both federal investigations with integrity, energy and determination.

I continue to stand with Mike Brown’s family and with the peaceful protestors who are demanding better from their community, and from this country.

This is not the end of the struggle; it is just the end of the beginning along the long road to finally achieving equal justice under the law for all...instead of just for some.”

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