Even as the standoff between Ferguson’s police establishment and protesters eased temporarily against the backdrop of Thursday’s shootings targeting two police officers, President Barack Obama condemned the attack, but said it should not detract from dealing with the issue of racial bias dogging the Missouri town. “What had been happening in Ferguson was oppressive and objectionable and was worthy of protest, but there was no excuse for criminal acts,” Obama said in a clear reference to the racial discrimination of African-Americans brought out in a Justice Department report last week.
The two officers, who have been injured, are expected to recover and have been discharged from hospital, said the police authorities who have launched a vigorous manhunt for the shooter. Protests remained subdued on Thursday night, when some people organized a candlelight vigil offering prayers for the officers as well as “every victim of violence in our streets”. Obama, who appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel live show, said while those behind the shootings must be arrested, it was also necessary for good-spirited people on both sides — police and people — to work together and come up with good answers.
In its report, the Justice Department concluded that Ferguson’s police and municipal court engaged in systematic discrimination against African-Americans, targeting them disproportionately for traffic stops, use of force and jail sentences. Six Ferguson officials, including Police Chief Thomas Jackson, have quit so far in the wake of the damning report.