Congressman Andre Carson

Representing the 7th District of INDIANA
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Carson Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision

Nov 24, 2014
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congressman André Carson issued the following statement in response to the decision of the Ferguson Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown:

“Tonight, my prayers are with the Brown family who lost their son far too soon.  No parent should have to live through such an ordeal.

“As a young African American man, I can relate to the frustration being felt on the streets of Ferguson.  The history of our nation, past and present, is plagued with incidents of bigotry and discrimination in our justice system. Racial injustice continues to afflict our communities and with each incident like this one, old wounds are reopened.  The feelings felt tonight are real and cannot be discounted.

“As a former law enforcement officer, I respect our system of justice but also recognize its shortcomings.  We have a long way to go to guarantee our country’s children of color are protected equally under the law, in every instance, in every neighborhood, all across our country. No community should have to doubt whether justice has prevailed when a decision like this one is handed down. 

“Tonight is the start of a long and difficult process, not simply of overcoming the pain felt in Ferguson, but of honestly assessing how justice is provided across our country.  This process starts with peaceful protests and  ends with lasting reform that protects all Americans equally, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.  This will not be easy or quick. But what is clear is that this march towards a better, more equitable country cannot start with violence.  It is my hope that all Americans can respect the Brown’s family request for peace and use this tragedy to advocate for real and lasting change.”