Sunday shows preview: Ferguson fallout demands attention

by Mark Hensch - 03/07/15 8:12 PM ET

The continued controversy over Michael Brown’s shooting in Ferguson, Mo., last year is a major topic on this week’s Sunday shows.

Ferguson Mayor James Knowles kicks off the coverage with an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” He will discuss his city’s decision Wednesday to fire one police officer and put two more on leave following a Department of Justice report on the police department there.

Benjamin Crump, another figure in the Ferguson drama, will stop by CBS’ “Face the Nation.” Crump is the Brown family’s lawyer.

{mosads}Brown’s death has lingered in the national consciousness long past his shooting. On Friday, President Obama said the Ferguson tragedy “was not an isolated incident.” The unarmed black teen’s killing has revealed turmoil between minority communities and law enforcement officials.

Attorney General Eric Holder said Friday his department was “prepared” to dismantle Ferguson’s police force if it violated black citizens’ rights. That same day, protests flared after a similar death in Madison, Wis.

The racial tension comes amid the 50th anniversary of the Selma, Ala., civil rights march on Saturday. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit “This Week” to discuss the event. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi completes ABC’s lineup with remarks on his nation’s fight with the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS).

Crump, meanwhile, is the first of several guests CBS hosts Sunday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) headlines the broadcast in his first Sunday show interview since gaining the Senate’s highest honor this year.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will appear on the show to discuss civil rights, and Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) will debate Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) over Gowdy’s subpoena of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s private emails regarding the 2012 Benghazi attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rounds out the guest list following his Congressional address on Iran last Tuesday.

Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will discuss Netanyahu’s address and other issues Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), meanwhile, will weigh in on the death of Missouri politician Tom Schweich last month. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) will also share his thoughts on Ferguson and Selma.

“Fox News Sunday” is headlined by former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.), fresh off an appearance Saturday at the Iowa Agriculture Summit. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) will additionally analyze Netanyahu’s Washington visit.

CNN’s “State of the Union” boasts its own crowded lineup. Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) will appear, as will former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.). Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and author David Maraniss are also scheduled.