Attorney General Eric Holder released a statement Monday night assuring rioters that the Justice Department still has two investigations to complete in Ferguson.
The Justice Department is both investigating the Ferguson Police Department at large over “allegations of unconstitutional policing patterns or practices,” and conducting its own separate investigation into Michael Brown’s shooting.
Holder stressed that his department’s investigation has always been independent of the local investigation, and asked those unhappy with the grand jury’s decision to refrain from violence.
The federal case will determine whether Officer Darren Wilson could face civil rights charges. But this would necessitate extremely good evidence: prosecutors would need to prove that Wilson both willfully and beyond a reasonable doubt violated Brown’s constitutional rights.
An anonymous source told the Washington Post that Wilson is unlikely to be charged. “The evidence at this point does not support civil rights charges against Officer Wilson,” the source said.
A Justice department spokesman, Brian Fallon, denied this report, and called it “irresponsible” and “based on idle speculation.”
As for the investigation of the police department, Holder has already stated that “anecdotal accounts underscore the history of mistrust of law enforcement in Ferguson.”
These types of investigations tend to be long and drawn out—the federal government is still looking into the Trayvon Martin shooting, two years after it took place. But Holder has committed to presenting the results of Wilson’s investigation before he leaves the administration.
Holder’s statement in full, via HotAir:
“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. In addition, the Department continues to investigate allegations of unconstitutional policing patterns or practices by the Ferguson Police Department.
“Though there will be disagreement with the grand jury’s decision not to indict, this feeling should not lead to violence. Those who decide to participate in demonstrations should remember the wishes of Michael Brown’s parents, who have asked that remembrances of their son be conducted peacefully. It does not honor his memory to engage in violence or looting. In the coming days, it will likewise be important for local law enforcement authorities to respect the rights of demonstrators, and deescalate tensions by avoiding excessive displays—and uses—of force.
