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Grand Jury Votes Not To Indict Darren Wilson In Ferguson Shooting Of Michael Brown

A Missouri grand jury has voted not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson with any crime in relation to the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown, whose death set off weeks of protests and violence around St. Louis.

"They determined that no probable cause exists to file any charge against officer Wilson," St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch told reporters outside the Clayton, Missouri, courthouse.

Brown's family said they were "profoundly disappointed" by the grand jury's finding but called for supporters to remain peaceful.

"While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change," the family said in a statement.

The shooting of Brown, who was African-American, by Wilson, who is white, added fuel to longstanding racial tensions in the region. Governor Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard in anticipation of more violence.

Crowds of protesters filled streets near the Ferguson police station following the grand jury's announcement. At least one police car was set on fire, and gunshots were heard. Police responded with what they claim were smoke bombs but witnesses say was tear gas.

President Obama issued a statement on Monday, calling for peace but acknowledging the bigger issue at hand: "We need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to broader challenges that we still face as a nation. The fact remains that in too many parts of this country a deep distrust exists between police and communities of color."

HRC President Chad Griffin called the decision not to pursue an indictment "deeply disappointing."

"Until we as a nation make a meaningful commitment to ending police profiling—and to fully prosecuting individual cases of brutality—the kind of violence that ended Michael Brown’s life will only continue," he said in a statement. "As advocates for equality, it’s our job to show solidarity with a growing national movement to break this cycle of police violence.”

“While we cannot begin to imagine the pain that the Brown family is facing at this moment, we send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to them during this heartbreaking and difficult time. We also stand in solidarity with the family's encouragement of peaceful protests and reflection following this decision.”

In August, HRC joined dozens of LGBT and civil rights organizations in an open letter of solidarity with the family of Michael Brown.

“The LGBT community cannot be silent at this moment, because LGBT people come from all races, creeds, faiths and backgrounds, and because all movements of equality are deeply connected," it read. "We are all part of the fabric of this nation and the promise of liberty and justice for all is yet to be fulfilled.”

Laverne Cox took to Facebook after the decision:

"While I was at the #InternationalEmmys that unsurprising and unjust decision in Ferguson happened," she wrote. "Puts the frivolity and privelege of getting to walk a red carpet into perspective when a lot of black folks can't even walk the streets without being profiled and murdered, far too often by the folks who are supposed to protect us.#whereIsTheJustice? #WhereIsTheLove #BlackLivesMatter #Ferguson #MikeBrown"

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