In a video statement released Tuesday night, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said "vigorous prosecution must now be pursued" in Michael Brown's death, prompting some to criticize him for what they perceived to be biased language.
My message to the people of #MO about the difficult but important test facing us all in #Ferguson https://t.co/FWXHQLdWcw— Governor Jay Nixon (@GovJayNixon) August 20, 2014
Governor Jay Nixon says "vigorous prosecution must be pursued." Note he didn't say "vigorous investigation." #Ferguson— Nicholas J.C. Pistor (@nickpistor) August 20, 2014
@GovJayNixon your irresponsible remarks asking for vigorous prosecution instead of investigation shows your bias and ignorance. Spineless!!— Terry Duke (@TDuke7) August 20, 2014
In the video, which lasted nearly five-and-a-half minutes, Nixon said St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder have an "obligation to achieve justice" in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, and that it "must be carried out thoroughly, promptly and correctly."
Previously, Nixon said McCulloch had the opportunity to bring charges against Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot and killed Brown, and that "he should step up and do his job."
Some Ferguson residents have questioned McCulloch's ability to conduct an impartial investigation. State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed launched an online petition, calling for McCulloch to remove himself from the case, and to appoint a special prosecutor.
However, Nixon said in another statement released Tuesday that McCulloch will not be removed from the case. "There is a well-established process by which a prosecutor can recuse themselves from a pending invesigation, and a special prosecutor be appointed. Departing from this established process could unnecessarily inject legal uncertainty into this matter and potentially jeopardize the prosecution," the Missouri governor said.
Missouri Gov. Nixon says he will not ask McCulloch to recuse himself from #MichaelBrown case in statement. #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/qym90YHLIc— Andrew Peng (@TheAPJournalist) August 20, 2014
In his video statement, Nixon reiterated the remarks made by Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri Highway Patrol early Tuesday morning, saying that a few "violent instigators take to the streets intent on creating chaos and lawlessness" among peaceful protesters. Nixon also defended local law enforcement, saying that they are "working valiantly to protect the public, while at the same time preserving citizens' rights to express their anger peacefully."
"It is not an easy balance to strike," he added. "But we will not be defeated by bricks and guns and molotov cocktails."
Nixon also emphasized that it was important to achieve "justice for the family of Michael Brown," and said he hoped that Brown's death would not be remembered "as a tragedy that sparked a cycle of violence and distrust, but rather marks the beginning of a process of healing and reconciliation."