Al Sharpton spoke Monday night after a grand jury announced it would not return an indictment for Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, describing the decision as an “absolute blow” to those seeking a “fair and open trial.”
“It was expected, but still an absolute blow to those of us that wanted to see a fair and open trial,” the MSNBC host told reporters in Harlem, according to a video posted by Mediaite. “I think that it is clear that even when you see a blow coming that you expected, it still hurts nonetheless.”
Mr. Sharpton vowed that he and his civil rights group, the National Action Network, will “continue to organize and mobilize” around the country in calling for the federal government to “escalate a federal indictment.”
He also announced he would be in Ferguson Tuesday to attend a press conference with Michael Brown’s parents.
“Let it be clear that we are dealing with the same attitudes of Ferguson right here in [New York City]. This is one case. Ferguson is not just in Missouri,” Mr. Sharpton said. “We can lose a round, but the fight is not over.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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