WASHINGTON, DC  – Today, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-13) released the following statement to the St. Louis County Police Department’s response to peaceful protests in Ferguson, Missouri:

CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11): “What we saw happen in Ferguson last night does not reflect the ideals of this nation. Peaceful protests are the way citizens of this nation have exercised their first amendment rights to freedom of expression, assembly and the right to petition. This is what many of the people in Ferguson, Missouri have chosen to do. But, instead of being respected as citizens of this nation who have the right to vocally oppose what they believe is mistreatment these people, many of whom are young adults, were met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and police equipped as though they are militia in a war zone. An elected official was arrested, journalists are being assaulted and innocent, unarmed individuals are having weapons pointed in their faces for merely being outside of their homes. What I saw last night reminded me of violent responses to uprisings in countries around the world, not here in my own backyard. We are supposed to be better than that. Law enforcement is supposed to protect and serve, not search, intimidate and assault. If the St. Louis County Police Department’s intent is to deescalate the situation in Ferguson, the way in which they have proceeded is a counterproductive means to that end, and they are doing much more harm than good.”

Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee John Conyers Jr. (MI-13): “A few facts are clear: A young, unarmed man was shot by a police officer. A small town is under what is essentially martial law. Tear gas and rubber bullets are being used against everyday citizens. Serious and sweeping civil rights violations may have taken place in Ferguson, Missouri.  

“The tragic killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown and the events that have transpired since the shooting in Ferguson are reminiscent of the violent altercations that took place during the Civil Rights Movement. Countless African Americans endured unwarranted hostility and excessive force from law enforcement while exercising their right to peaceful assembly and civil resistance.

“It is a great travesty to find ourselves again witnessing the blatant violation of our right to peaceably assemble in Ferguson.  As documented by journalists and people on the ground in Ferguson over the last week, state and local law enforcement have grossly mismanaged any attempts to peaceably resolve the situation. Earlier this week, my colleagues and I issued a letter to the Department of Justice asking them to consider expanding the scope of federal involvement and to investigate the legal and civil rights ramifications of the shooting and surrounding circumstances. 

“Removal of the St. Louis County Police Department from any involvement in the policing of Ferguson is an important step towards restoring peace and allowing for an independent, thorough investigation to take place. The people of Ferguson deserve nothing less.”

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