“It was a crime scene that had to be investigated by a third party,” he said, explaining the hours-long delay in removing the 18-year-old’s body.

#JamesKnowles says he has not had an opportunity to express condolences to #MichaelBrown‘s family. #BeyondFerguson — STL Public Radio (@stlpublicradio) August 28, 2014

Knowles spoke at a

in a Ferguson church that was attended by residents from across the area, many of whom told him they felt disrespected by authorities, and disapproved of law enforcement tactics in the days that followed the shooting.

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Brown’s death sparked protests in the St. Louis region, and police responded to the demonstrations with tear gas and military-grade equipment. Funeral services for Brown were held earlier this week.

Knowles said that the police department has received a batch of body cameras for officers, which will be used in patrols going forward. A Ferguson officer who said he was watching the church’s parking lot to make sure cars weren’t being broken into was wearing a camera Thursday night.

“Anybody who clearly feels they have been wronged, I hope they understand my sincere apology,” says #JamesKnowles. #BeyondFerguson — STL Public Radio (@stlpublicradio) August 28, 2014

“I do sympathize, I do empathize as best as I can,” says #JamesKnowles. “I clearly do want to reach out.” #BeyondFerguson — STL Public Radio (@stlpublicradio) August 28, 2014

Young audience member recalling day of Mike Brown’s death and the protests that followed. #BeyondFerguson pic.twitter.com/MbZChASRtJ — NPRMichel (@NPRMichel) August 28, 2014

“It’s concerning to me” that officers aren’t wearing their name tags, says Ferguson mayor #BeyondFerguson — Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) August 28, 2014