In a video released Thursday, the father of Michael Brown called for calm and asked the public to act peacefully in the upcoming days when a grand jury plans to announce its decision on whether or not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of the unarmed black teenager.
Demonstrations in St. Louis Wednesday night led to the arrest of six protesters -- and many fear that the jury’s verdict could lead to violence and further arrests.
However, Michael Brown Sr. made a statement urging supporters to continue to lift their voices while reminding them that “hurting others or destroying property is not the answer.”
Here is his full statement:
My family and I are hurting, our whole region is hurting. I thank you for lifting your voices to end racial profiling and police intimidation -- but hurting others or destroying property is not the answer. No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone. We live here together, this is our home. We’re stronger united. Continue to lift your voices with us and lets work together to heal and to create lasting change for all people regardless of race. Thank you.
Check out Michael Brown Sr.'s statement in the clip above.
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