House

Missouri Dems offer reward for arrest of Ferguson shooter

by Mike Lillis - 03/12/15 5:04 PM ET

A pair of Missouri Democrats is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person — or people — responsible for shooting a pair of police officers amid protests in Ferguson, Mo., early Thursday morning.

Reps. Lacy Clay and Emanuel Cleaver, who condemned the shootings as a cowardly act, are hoping their financial incentive will help the local authorities close the open case.

{mosads}”I completely condemn the cowardly ambush of the brave officers who were wounded last night in Ferguson,” Clay said in a statement. “I ask everyone to join me in prayers for their swift recovery and for healing in our community.

“The path of violence does not lead to justice,” he added.

Ferguson has been ground zero for advocates of criminal justice reform since last August, when a white police officer fatally shot an unarmed black teenager after a scuffle in the street. The episode sparked a national debate about racial profiling, police tactics and the role of the federal government in overseeing local law enforcement agencies.

It also led to a Justice Department investigation that found damning evidence of abuses within Ferguson’s criminal justice system. Facing those revelations, Ferguson’s city manager, the police chief and a municipal court judge have all resigned in recent days.

Wednesday night’s protests, which took place outside the Ferguson Police Department, were a reaction to the report and the resignations. Amid the rowdy demonstration, shots rang out and hit two police officers guarding the building. The pair was hospitalized; both are expected to recover. No arrests have been made.

“What happened in Ferguson last night was a terrible tragedy, and we cannot stand idly by as others transgress,” Cleaver said, promoting his reward offer. “We encourage anyone who has information to come forward.”

Tags Emanuel Cleaver Ferguson Lacy Clay Law enforcement