Police in Ferguson, Mo., reportedly went against the wishes of the U.S. Justice Department by releasing a surveillance video on Friday that allegedly shows teenager Michael Brown robbing a convenience store a short time before he was shot and killed by an officer.
CNN reported that Ferguson police had intended to go public with the video on Thursday but delayed its release after the DOJ requested they hold off.
Federal authorities argued the video would lead to further hostility toward law enforcement in Ferguson, according to CNN.
On Friday night, following the release of the video, tensions in the town spiked again and resulted in more clashes with police and looting of the convenience store.
submitted without commentary:
Really smart move, FPD, ticking off the Department that will be investigating you.
This police department just does not appear to see the community it’s charged with policing–except in an adversarial way.
Dumbass small-town macho cops, now panicking, trying to figure a way to put the lid back on what has obviously been very stupid and oppressive policing. I want the US Attorney General and the federal DOJ involved.
I’m sure the DoJ is already investigating, albeit quietly, while the leads are hot.