The Justice Department will continue to investigate the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, despite a grand jury’s decision not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. This investigation means it’s possible Wilson still could be charged.
Attorney General Eric Holder spoke after the controversial decision yesterday, citing the pursuit of two ongoing investigations, including one regarding whether Wilson violated the civil rights of the unarmed, African American teenager on August 9. The second investigation focuses on the questionable practices of the Ferguson Police Department, the predominantly white police force, which operates in a predominantly Black neighborhood. The FBI will also assist with the investigation.
Holder said in a statement that the federal inquiry has always been independent of the one in St. Louis County, and will continue to be. “While the grand jury proceedings in St. Louis County has concluded, the Justice Department’s investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown remains ongoing,” said Holder, who called Brown’s death a tragedy.
While a grand jury must consider multiple charges, federal investigators have a single focus, proving whether Wilson willfully deprived Brown of his civil rights. The standard of proof may be a difficult one, due to the wide latitude awarded to police officers to use deadly force.