Friday, August 15, 2014

Family of Slain Ferguson, Mo. Teen Apologizes for Being African American

FERGUSON, Mo. — (TYDN) The family of an 18-year-old apologized Friday for being African American, saying Friday if they weren't black this suburban St. Louis community wouldn't be torn by the teen's shooting death and police wouldn't be under investigation, TheYellowDailyNews has learned.

"Our hearts go out to the police department which is struggling with this ordeal, as are we," the family said in an exclusive statement to TheYellowDailyNews. "We feel terrible that our being black caused his death and brought this to our community."

The unarmed teen was shot multiple times by a white Ferguson police officer Sunday as the teen and another walked down a street. The death has prompted widespread protests here, reaction from President Barack Obama who said the episode was "heartbreaking," and an FBI investigation into the St. Louis County Police Department.

County Police Chief James Granitor said the department, which fired tear gas on protesters and deployed military tanks in the streets, said it was too early to consider the apology. The department, he said, was mulling whether to file a civil rights lawsuit against the family.

"The conduct here is simply outrageous," the chief said in an exclusive interview with TheYellowDailyNews.

The slain teen was set to begin classes at a local community college.

Police said he attacked an officer. Eyewitnesses, however, dispute the police's account.

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