Justice Dept. condemns Ferguson leaks as effort to influence public opinion

[gollygee]

With a grand jury decision looming on whether a white police officer should face charges in the killing of an unarmed black 18-year-old in Ferguson, Mo., the investigation has sprung a few leaks.

New details from the inquiry into Michael Brown’s Aug. 9 death — all provided by unidentified sources and which seem to support Officer Darren Wilson’s story of what happened that day — have emerged in St. Louis and national news outlets in recent days.

The U.S. Department of Justice condemned the leaks Wednesday as “irresponsible and highly troubling” and said, “There seems to be an inappropriate effort to influence public opinion about this case.”

The details and news reports say that Brown struggled with Wilson in his patrol car and that Wilson’s gun went off in the car before a brief foot chase ensued.

[marym625]

1. Great companion piece

To go along with LA Times article on DOJ condemning St Louis Post Dispatch and others

http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/paper-obtains-official-michael-brown-autopsy-346549827897

[Rex]

2. These local PDs seem to operate within their own self made laws.

I can't wait to see them all handed a pink slip.

[garagedoor]

3. The Leaks (and Erroneous Spin Attempts) Are Getting Some Major Blowback

it seems. Today on CNN New Day Paul Callan stated there was a rumor that the leaks came from the Feds. If you believe that I have a bridge for sale...

[branford]

6. The DOJ and various US Attorney offices often leak like a sieve.

Although I imagine that most of the leaks originated in the local DA's office or the police, if the DOJ believes that there isn't enough evidence to bring federal charges, it wouldn't be the first time they laid the groundwork with the public before announcing the lack of a prosecution.

[strawberries]

4. the public

has already been influenced

[noiretextatique]

5. the public doesn't need to be influenced

there will be no indictment, per usual. and everyone knows why.

[hifiguy]

7. Eeyup.

Wilson will walk scot-free and unpunished unless there is a federal action.

[noiretextatique]

8. yep...the yokels will back him

it will be up to the feds.