2014-11-25 08:41:00

Riots in Ferguson after police officer cleared by grand jury in shooting death


(Vatican Radio) The streets of Ferguson, Missouri, were filled with burning vehicles and looters after protestors turned violent in the wake of a grand jury decision not to indict the police officer who shot and killed an unarmed man, Michael Brown, on August 9th.

Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch said on Monday the jury met on 25 separate days over three months, hearing more than 70 hours of testimony from about 60 witnesses, including three medical examiners and experts on blood, toxicology and firearms.

”They are the only people that have heard and examined every witness and every piece of evidence,” he said.

United States President Barack Obama appealed for calm.

``We are a nation built on the rule of law, so we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury's to make,'' Obama said.

Brown's family released a statement saying they were ``profoundly disappointed'' in the decision but asked that the public ``channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change.”

The Archbishop of St. Louis, Robert J. Carlson, issued a statement after the grand jury reached its decision.

I implore each of you: Choose peace! Reject any false and empty hope that violence will solve problems," Archbishop Carlson said. "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."








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