Ferguson Top Cop Will Reinstate Officer Who Killed Michael Brown ‘Immediately’ If No Indictment
In a surprising revelation, the Ferguson Chief of Police says he will reinstate the officer who shot and killed an unarmed teen.
Embattled Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson says he will “immediately” reinstate Officer Darren Wilson, the man who shot and killed Michael Brown, if the grand jury does not indict him.
Yahoo News reports “Officer Darren Wilson has been on paid leave since the controversial shooting in early August.”
He would come back to a “not yet determined assignment,†the chief writes in an email.
If the grand jury charges Wilson, Jackson said the officer would “most likely†be terminated “if it is a felony.â€
For the past month, law enforcement leaks to reporters have suggested that a grand jury will not indict Wilson for killing Brown, who some witnesses said had his hands up in surrender at some point in time when he was shot.
Brown was the unarmed 18-year old who was shot multiple times by Officer Wilson on August 9, 2014. The city of Ferguson has been the focus of protests against the officer, local and state political leaders, and police brutality.
The grand jury’s decision to indict or not is expected to be announced soon, possibly even Monday.
Governor Jay Nixon this week spoke about the possibility of violent protests, demanding that it not happen, and warning those who might protest. “Violence will not be tolerated,” the Democratic governor announced at a press conference.
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Image of Chief Jackson by Jamelle Bouie via Wikimedia
Hat tip: Talking Points Memo
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