Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) on Tuesday urged people who are demonstrating against the Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict the white police officer who shot unarmed black teenager Michael Brown to keep their protests peaceful.
The town of Ferguson, Mo., descended into chaos Monday night as at least 29 people were arrested, at least six buildings were set on fire and police used tear gas on protesters, according to reports.
{mosads}Cleaver urged the town to remain calm and argued the violence undercut their message of protesting what they view as a miscarriage of justice for Brown’s death.
“There are important issues in this country that need to be confronted, communicated, and worked through in the spirit of community. But violence, looting, and arson are not the answer. Not even close,” Cleaver wrote on Twitter.
“We sacrifice the safety of others by creating chaos instead of pursuing a path to protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of color,” Cleaver said.
Cleaver, who represents a district about 250 miles from the St. Louis area where Ferguson is located, noted he can personally relate to the racial connotations of Brown’s death.
“My wife and I have raised three sons, and we know the challenges a young, black man faces growing up,” Cleaver said.