Rep. Johnson’s statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision

LITHONIA, GA -- Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on the decision of the Ferguson Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death of unarmed teen Michael Brown:

“I am shocked, and along with many others, outraged by the process of the grand jury consideration of the killing of Michael Brown, and the decision reached by the grand jury to not indict this officer. These are trying times, and people have a right to protest what we see as an injustice. Protests should be expected, but I urge protesters to remain peaceful. Death, personal injury or property destruction will not right the injustice, nor will it bring Michael Brown back to life. So let’s be smart, and let’s handle this through the strategy of non-violence.

I also urge law enforcement to exercise restraint and to not meet peaceful protesters with a militarized show of force like what we saw in August. Such a display will only inflame protesters and provoke a violent response.”

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