TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Tonight, Florida Senator Dwight Bullard (D-39), chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus released the following statement regarding tonight's decision by the Grand Jury not to pursue charges against Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.
“Since the beginning of this tragedy we've seen mismanaged reactions buy those sworn to protect and serve. We have seen those in law enforcement brazenly utilize brute tactics where the first amendment was not protected. When the local prosecutor was asked to recuse himself, he refused. When the governor had it within his power to pull the prosecutor, he blinked. Yet the governor says he's ready to call the National Guard in case the community, who is still grieving, does not hear that the officer who took the life of Michael Brown will be tried for any wrong doing.”
“There is a distinct and pervasive level of inaction, discord, and apathy directed towards communities of color, particularly towards African-Americans which still plagues us to today in our daily discourse. Dr King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The fact that we now stand in the aftermath of, glaring apathy, a community disregarded, and a potential cover-up in law and government suggests that there is much still lacking in our society as it relates to an equal level of compassion, respect and tolerance for human beings all throughout this country.”
“It is my sincere hope that the people of Ferguson continue to champion human rights and civil rights through peaceful demonstration. It is also my hope that the elected officials off Missouri continue to look into this matter, as it relates to the larger systemic problems resulting from laws enforcement and their use of force in the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.”
“Going forward my hope is that the Department of Justice looks deeply are into the circumstances that led to these tragic events. Additionally, my heart and condolences continue to go out to the Michael Brown family.”
