Brown’s parents unmoved by chief’s apology

WASHINGTON – The parents of Michael Brown told the Associated Press on Saturday they were unmoved by the apology given by the Ferguson, Missouri, police chief weeks after their unarmed 18-year-old son was killed by a police officer.

Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden, said “Yes” when asked if Chief Tom Jackson should be fired, and his father, Michael Brown Sr., said that instead of an apology, they would rather see the officer who shot their son arrested for his Aug. 9 death.

“An apology would be when Darren Wilson has handcuffs, processed and charged with murder,” Brown Sr. said.

Wilson is white; the young man, black. The shooting sparked days of violent protests and racial unrest in the predominantly black community. Some residents and civil rights activists have said responding police officers were overly aggressive, noting their use of tear gas and surplus military vehicles and gear.

Jackson released a video apology to Brown’s family and the community, in which he acknowledged that Brown’s body should have been removed from the street much sooner than it was. The young man’s remains lay uncovered for more than four hours while police collected evidence.

“I don’t want words, I want action,” McSpadden said.

Brown’s parents came to Washington to meet lawmakers and lobby Congress to pass a law requiring police officers to wear cameras during their interactions with the public. They also called on the Justice Department to take over the criminal investigation into the shooting. The Justice Department is already investigating whether Brown’s civil rights were violated, and a county grand jury is weighing whether to indict Wilson.

Associated Press