Darren Wilson Could Still Be Charged As Federal Investigations Into Michael Brown's Shooting Remains Ongoing: Eric Holder

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said that the investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown will be continued by the Justice Department, even after a grand jury in Ferguson did not indict Officer Darren Wilson on Monday night, Breitbart reported.

The FBI and the Justice Department will pursue two investigations, one into potential civil rights violations by the 28-year-old cop when he fatally shot 18-year-old unarmed Brown on Aug. 9, and one into the practices of the overwhelmingly white Ferguson police force, which operates in a predominantly black community.

"While the grand jury proceeding in St. Louis County has concluded, the Justice Department's investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown remains ongoing," Holder said in a statement, adding that the DOJ would continue to "investigate allegations of unconstitutional policing patterns or practices by the Ferguson Police Department."

On Monday night, chaos and unrest returned to the streets of Ferguson after the grand jury announced its verdict, with thousands of enraged protesters coming out and setting fire to dozens of buildings and cars, looting businesses in the area where the unarmed, black 18-year-old was fatally shot, while police responded with tear gas and flash-bang canisters.

Although Holder called for peace on the streets of Ferguson, he also acknowledged the deep distrust of law enforcement officials in the black community.

"This incident has sparked a national conversation about the need to ensure confidence between law enforcement and the communities they protect and serve. While constructive efforts are underway in Ferguson and communities nationwide, far more must be done to create enduring trust," he said.

"Whereas the county grand jury could consider multiple charges, Justice Department lawyers have a single focus: whether it can be shown that Officer Wilson willfully deprived 18-year-old Michael Brown of his civil rights. That is a difficult burden to meet, especially considering the wide latitude given to police officers in using deadly force," according to UK MailOnline.

Meanwhile, Holder condemned the night of violent protests and racial unrest throughout the nation after the verdict was announced, stating that "it does not honor Michael Brown's memory to engage in violence or looting."

"Though there will be disagreement with the grand jury's decision not to indict, this feeling should not lead to violence," he said.

But he also asked police forces to show restraint in their policing of the community.

"In the coming days, it will likewise be important for local law enforcement authorities to respect the rights of demonstrators, and deescalate tensions by avoiding excessive displays and uses of force," Holder said.

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