Some reaction to the grand jury decision to not indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown:
“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.”
“I have not reviewed the evidence or transcript of the grand jury proceedings so I am not in a position to comment on their decision. We are blessed to live in a country where we can disagree and express our opinions freely; we are also a country based on the rule of law, and the grand jury system is a vital part of that process. Atlanta has a proud history of resolving our differences peacefully, and I hope and trust that Atlantans will continue that tradition today.”
Sam Olens, Georgia Attorney General
- John Evans, head of the DeKalb County chapter of the NAACP
"People on both sides have already constructed a narrative about this, and the judgment is going to be measured against that narrative."
"As the cradle of the civil rights movement, Atlanta has been the scene of many peaceful protests as our residents have made their feelings known on so many important societal issues. My hope is that the decision made in Missouri is met with resolve on the part of its residents, those in metro Atlanta and in so many other cities all over our nation."
- John Eaves, Fulton County Commission Chairman
“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.”
- Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.)
“I know this hard. I know this is difficult. Do not succumb to the temptations of violence. There is a more powerful way. Only love can overcome hate. Only nonviolence can overcome violence.”
- Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.)
“Michael Brown’s death was a tragedy. This incident has sparked a national conversation about the need to ensure confidence between law enforcement and the communities they protect and serve. While constructive efforts are underway in Ferguson and communities nationwide, far more must be done to create enduring trust. The Department will continue to work with law enforcement, civil rights, faith and community leaders across the country to foster effective relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve and to improve fairness in the criminal justice system overall.”
- Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General
Note: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reached out Monday night and Tuesday morning to the offices of many other state and local business and political leaders for comment about the events in Ferguson. All either did not immediately respond to requests for comment or declined to comment. Among them, the offices of Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, state House Speaker David Ralston, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop and the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Staff writer Greg Bluestein contributed to this article
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