The parents of Michael Brown and their lawyers held a press conference Friday afternoon, responding to the "character assassination" of their son attempted by Ferguson Chief of Police Thomas Jackson in a
morning press conference when he released video of Brown allegedly stealing cigarillos from a convenience store. Jackson was later forced to
clarify that that robbery had nothing to do with Brown's death. The officer who killed Brown, Darren Wilson, did not know about the robbery before his confrontation with Brown.
Lawyer Anthony David condemned the release of that video, saying the "family feels that that was strategic, they feel that it was aimed at denigrating their son, it was a character assassination," and added that they believe Jackson's actions were meant to rile the community up again.
He’s now inciting the community all over again. If you get this kind of negative reaction to this... it won’t be on anybody’s part on this side. .. Now we’re focused on the side show.
Do not take the bait from anybody who is trying to character assassinate Mike. Don’t take that...
The family and lawyers
reminded the community and the rest of the country watching events unfold to not be distracted by the videotape and that, as lawyer Daryl Parks said, "We believe the most important thing, is what happened that particular day, in the middle of the street, is that officer killed Mike Brown. Let’s not lose sight of that."
One other tidbit, pointing back to what a bang-up operation the Ferguson PD is:
Browns were not told the name of the officer who shot their son before it was announced to the press this morning, says attorney Daryl Parka
— @jonswaine
Unbelievable. Or, it should be. Nothing is surprising out of this clown show by now.