Civil and Human Rights Coalition Condemns Shooting of Two Police Officers in Ferguson

Washington – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after two police officers were shot last night in Ferguson, MO:

“We strongly condemn last night’s senseless shooting of two police officers in Ferguson and wish them a speedy recovery.

While this shooting happened during a protest, police statements and news reports indicate that the shots were fired from far beyond where protestors had gathered in front of the Ferguson police station. Our movement was founded on the principle of non-violent civil disobedience and we’re proud that the vast majority of those who have protested in Ferguson since last August have followed in this noble tradition. Acts of violence are anathema to what we stand for, and those responsible for injuring these officers should be held responsible for their actions.

As tensions continue to build over the shootings of unarmed young men across the country, and in light of the recent Justice Department report that found deep-seated racial bias in the Ferguson police department, we urge protesters and police across the country to continue to engage in a peaceful and civil manner.

Our hearts and prayers are with the officers and their families. We will continue to work with our movement, our government, and with our law enforcement officials for a safer and more just nation.”

Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.