Sharpton: Ferguson decision 'an absolute blow'

The Rev. Al Sharpton says the grand jury decision to not indict Officer Darren Wilson is “an absolute blow” and added that “the fight is not over.”

“It was expected, but still an absolute blow to those of us that wanted to see a fair and open trial. I think that it is clear that even when you see a blow coming … it still hurts nonetheless,” Sharpton said late Monday evening from his Harlem offices, according to video posted by Mediaite.


Sharpton said the family of Michael Brown now joins others who “collectively share the pain of having a loved one taken by law enforcement.”

( Also on POLITICO: Congressional Black Caucus denounces Ferguson grand jury)

The civil rights activist and MSNBC host denounced the explanation of the non-indictment by St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert P. McCulloch. Sharpton called certain claims about the investigation “flawed” and “very suspect.”

Despite calls for calm, Ferguson became a scene of chaos Monday night after the grand jury’s decision not to indict Wilson was announced.

The Associated Press reports that at least a dozen businesses were burned and authorities reported hearing hundreds of gunshots. Rioters looted businesses and two police vehicles were set ablaze.

Police told the AP that dozens of people were arrested.

Sharpton said he will travel to Ferguson on Tuesday where he will hold a news conference and then plans to return to New York for a rally to call for the federal government “to escalate a criminal indictment.”

“Ferguson is not just Missouri,” Sharpton said. “We can lose a round, but the fight is not over.”

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