The City of Ferguson would like to offer our gratitude to all of the law enforcement agencies that have aided our community over the past seven months. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families who were injured last night. This act of violence against police and residents has no place in our community or our country. The St. Louis County Police Department is conducting an investigation into the shooting and we are confident that the individuals responsible will be held accountable for their actions. Violence cannot and will not be tolerated in the City of Ferguson.
The City continues to take corrective action to address issues that have been brought out since August 9th. We have made changes at the highest level of our administration, police, and courts to allow this city to make a fresh start. City leadership is diligently working to make systematic changes necessary to instill confidence in the city, our police, and our courts. We are committed to making sure that our police department and court system operate under the principles of professionalism and fairness.
While we respect the right to peacefully protest, we cannot continue to move forward under threats of violence and destruction to our community. We ask our residents and clergy in this area to partner with us as we make our way through this process. We can only succeed with your help. Please stand with us as we ask for peace, prayer, and unity. Together we can heal and unite this community.
Mayor James W. Knowles III and the Ferguson City Council