© 2024 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Eric Holder Urges Peace As Ferguson Grand Jury Prepares Indictment Decision

United States Justice Department

Attorney General Eric Holder asked police across the nation to prepare appropriately Friday for demonstrations tied to Ferguson, Mo. 

The warning comes as the public expects a grand jury decision on whether to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown.

In a video post by the Justice Department, Holder said that protests are most effective when they're nonviolent.

"History has shown us that the most successful and enduring movements for change are those that adhere to non-aggression," Holder said. "The vast majority of law enforcement officers have honorably defended their fellow citizens engaged in peaceful protests."

The video released Friday doesn't specifically refer to the St. Louis County grand jury, which is deliberating whether to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the Aug. 9 shooting of Michael Brown. But in the message, Holder does mention demonstrations over the past few months that sought to draw attention to "real and significant underlying issues involving police practices."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cody Newill is part of KCUR's audience development team. Follow him on Twitter @CodyNewill or email him at cody@kcur.org.
KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and award-winning podcasts.
Your donation helps keep nonprofit journalism free and available for everyone.