CNN "The Lead with Jake Tapper" - Transcript: Ferguson, Missouri Situation

Interview

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And joining me now is Congressman Lacy Clay, Democrat of Missouri who represents the area of Ferguson and the surrounding area, of course.

Congressman Clay, thanks so much for being here.

You didn't get a chance to speak. A lot of speakers were canceled from the program because it had run so late. What were you planning on saying? What was your general message going to be?

REP. WILLIAM LACY CLAY (D), MISSOURI: Well, my message was going to be to Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr., the parents of Michael Brown Jr., that they do not stand alone, that several members of the Congressional Black Caucus came here today, and we intend to stand with this family until they receive justice.

TAPPER: What does justice mean? Because there is a grand jury hearing evidence in the case. As you know, it's very difficult to get an indictment against a police officer.

And, look, neither of us were there. It's entirely possible that, according to the rules of the police, it was a -- quote, unquote -- "good shooting." What does justice mean?

CLAY: Justice to me means that the American judicial system cannot fail the family of Michael Brown.

TAPPER: But what does that mean? Does that mean he has to be sentenced?

CLAY: Look, there were numerous eyewitness reports of what occurred in the shooting.

And I tend to believe the eyewitness report. I don't believe or put too much faith in what's coming afterward. I don't -- I don't believe that, somehow, that videotape from the store was planted accidentally or that it was just found.

All of that is part of a larger plot to discredit a young man whose only crime that day was walking in the middle of the street, and you don't deserve -- you shouldn't have to die for jaywalking.

TAPPER: That's certainly true, although the account, from what we understand, is, according to officer Wilson, there was more to it than that. But you know what? Neither you or I were there, so we don't know.

Let me ask you this. I have been hearing from people who support officer Wilson, who say the presence of you, the presence of other public officials, the presence of a White House delegation, it feels unfair to them because Wilson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

CLAY: Well, I mean, and I guess in cases of police shooting, that's standard operating procedure.

But this is not a normal case to this community. This is -- to this community, this is an execution of a young innocent man whose death was unnecessary, should have never happened. And now this community seeks justice and their own version of justice. They want to see someone punished for the wrongful death of an innocent young man.

TAPPER: Congressman Lacy Clay, thank you so much. Appreciate your time.

CLAY: Thank you for having me.

TAPPER: Good to see you, sir.

CLAY: Appreciate it.

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