The Justice Department has decided not to charge the police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Prosecutors determined that there was not enough evidence to prove that the officer, Darren Wilson, violated Brown’s civil rights when he shot and killed him in 2014. The decision to close the case has sparked outrage and disappointment among activists who were hoping for justice in this high-profile case. Despite this outcome, the Justice Department stated that the investigation was thorough and fair, and that they were unable to meet the high legal standard required to bring federal charges against Wilson. Brown’s death and the subsequent protests in Ferguson brought national attention to issues of police brutality and racial inequality. Many are now calling for reforms to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
How Ferguson elevated the profile of the Justice Department’s civil rights enforcers
The Justice Department has decided not to charge the police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Prosecutors determined that there was not enough evidence to prove that the officer, Darren Wilson, violated Brown’s civil rights when he shot and killed him in 2014. The decision to close the case has sparked outrage and disappointment among activists who were hoping for justice in this high-profile case. Despite this outcome, the Justice Department stated that the investigation was thorough and fair, and that they were unable to meet the high legal standard required to bring federal charges against Wilson. Brown’s death and the subsequent protests in Ferguson brought national attention to issues of police brutality and racial inequality. Many are now calling for reforms to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.