Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed calls for federal action following Ferguson grand jury decision

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed pleaded for calm in a statement issued following the Ferguson grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the Aug. 9 shooting that left Michael Brown dead, and also called for federal action.

JULY 11, 2014, ATLANTA Mayor Kasim Reed gives remarks during the program. Reed, Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Dr. C.T. Vivian, Dr. Bernice A. King, and and others participated in the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act at the King Center Friday, July 11, 2014. This year marks the 50th year anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex or national origin, and ended segregation in schools, at the workplace, and in facilities that serve the general public. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Act into law on July 2, 1964 before a group of distinguished guests that included Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. KDJOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed spoke about transportation and education in Washington this week.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

Here is the mayor's statement:

"This evening, a grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri has decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown.

This announcement is likely to spark understandable feelings of frustration, not only in Ferguson, but across the country.

However, while many are saddened and angered by the grand jury’s decision, I urge everyone taking part in demonstrations to do so in a peaceful manner.  I support the efforts of local leaders to promote non-violent expression by self-policing and elevating the voices of community members.  Equally important, I believe we should respect the wishes of Michael Brown’s father, Michael Brown Sr., that all protests be conducted in a way that honors his son’s memory, rather than distract from it.  It is also essential that all local, state, and federal law enforcement officials show proper restraint and respect every citizen’s constitutional right to assemble.  Atlanta’s history demonstrates that we can come together and protest in a non-violent and peaceful fashion.

Going forward, I encourage the United States Department of Justice to conduct a complete review of how Michael Brown’s killing has been handled thus far. Both the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation have opened civil rights investigations, and I look forward to the release of their findings.

Finally, let's not forget what this case is really about. It's about the deep pain and sorrow that a mother and father have lived through since their son was killed more than three months ago.  We must view this case, not just through our own eyes, but through the eyes of parents who lost a child. While this decision does not do justice to Michael Brown and his family, it serves as an opportunity for Atlanta, and the rest of the nation, to engage in a thoughtful conversation on how to build greater trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve."