Rep. Johnson to Gov. Nixon, Law Enforcement Nationwide: Keep Military Equipment on Ice

Statement

As a Ferguson, Missouri, grand jury prepares to deliver its decision in the shooting death of an unarmed teenager Michael Brown, the leading Congressional voice against militarization of local police forces warned Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and law enforcement officials nationwide to respect Missourians' and Americans' rights to assembly and protest, and urged against the unnecessary deployment of militarized police forces whose presence could escalate tensions. He also called for protestors to remain peaceful and calm:

"As soon as Mine Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAPs) vehicles and military equipment come out, local authorities are escalating an already tense situation," said Rep. Johnson.

"This equipment, including MRAPs, grenade launchers, and automatic weapons greater than .50 caliber, is turning America's local law enforcement into something more akin to an army. Let's be clear: Our Main Streets are not war zones. The militarization of law enforcement is counter-productive to domestic policing and needs to stop.

For their part, protesters must remain peaceful and calm. Some outside agitators resorted to violence and looting that marred the protests in Ferguson this summer. Violence provides justification for those who want to militarize and makes it more difficult for healing and constructive dialogue."

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