Michael Brown's father asks for calm in new video
FERGUSON, Mo.--- The father of an unarmed teenager killed by a Ferguson police officer asked for calm ahead of a grand jury's decision in the case.
Michael Brown, Sr., in a newly released video, said his grieving family appreciates the support of protesters and hopes everyone in the St. Louis region will avoid any violence. No matter what the grand jury decides, Brown said, he wants the teen's death to transform the lives of people in the area.
"My family and I are hurting," the father said in the video posted on YouTube. "The whole region is hurting. I thank you for lifting your voices to end racial profiling and police intimidation. But hurting others and destroying property is not the answer."
Officer Darren Wilson, 28, fatally shot Michael Brown, 18, on Aug. 9. Brown's death provoked months of sometimes violent protests and galvanized a community to demand better treatment from police.
The late Brown's family has repeatedly called for the continuation of peaceful protests.
The grand jury convened Aug. 20 to hear evidence in the case. At issue is how Brown died. Police say Brown struggled with Wilson inside his police car, then reached for Wilson's weapon. Brown's family and some witnesses say Wilson killed Brown as he raised his hands in surrender.
"No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son's death to be in vain," Brown's father said in the video. "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 are stronger united."
The St. Louis area is anxiously awaiting word on whether the grand jury will indict the white officer for killing the African American teenager. Police, city officials, schools, businesses and protesters have been meeting daily in an effort to avert repetition of the chaos of this summer when protesters clashed with police.
Thursday, Brown's father delivered a clear message: "Continue to lift your voices with us and let's work together to heal, to create lasting change for all people regardless of race."
