For Immediate Release:

Contact: Madison Donzis, madison@fitzgibbonmedia.com, 210.488.6220

Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of ColorOfChange.org, issued the following statement:

“The ColorOfChange community offers our heartfelt condolences to the officers who were shot in Ferguson last night and wish them a speedy and full recovery. We also hold the protesters who witnessed the shooting and it’s aftermath in our hearts and minds. Amidst a national crisis of police brutality and discriminatory policing, Black families are all too familiar with the heartache, trauma and grief that comes with senseless acts of violence.

“Although a number of questions remain around the motive and circumstances of Wednesday night’s violence, eye-witnesses have made it clear that the shooter was not in any way associated with the protest.

“We urge local law enforcement and media to refrain from demonizing protesters or using last night’s tragedy to condemn a much-needed, growing civil rights movement to end the structural racism and abuse of Ferguson police and law enforcement nationwide.

“This is not an excuse to further militarize police or expand the power of Ferguson law enforcement and it’s discriminatory, violent policing practices detailed in the Department of Justice’s recent report. 24 hours ago, there was no question about the corruption and lack of integrity and credibility of Ferguson police. It is critical that the DOJ remains steadfast in its efforts to transform Ferguson police and the area’s municipal courts. The people of Ferguson cannot afford to wait for the most far-reaching systemic reforms, including full amnesty for outstanding court fines and an overhaul of leadership.”

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With more than one million members, ColorOfChange.org is the nation’s largest online civil rights organization.