Ferguson: Two Cops Shot, Holder Denounces ‘Cowardly’ Attack

FERGUSON, MO – Two law enforcement officers were shot overnight in Ferguson, Missouri, escalating tensions in a city already raw from months of unrest following the shooting of Michael Brown. Details surrounding the shooting remain scarce, but the incident has immediately drawn condemnation from the highest levels of the Department of Justice.

Attorney General Eric Holder, in a statement released Thursday, blasted the attack as “heinous,” “inexcusable,” and “repugnant.” He offered no details on the shooter or motive, only that the act was a “cowardly” assault on officers serving the community. The DOJ has pledged to offer “full range of investigative resources” to local authorities.

“I condemn violence against any public safety officials in the strongest terms,” Holder stated. “The Department of Justice will never accept any threats or violence directed at those who serve and protect our communities.” He drew a direct line between this shooting and other recent attacks on law enforcement, specifically citing the killing of an officer in Philadelphia last week while “buying a game for his son” and the death of a Deputy U.S. Marshal in Louisiana earlier this week.

The timing of the shooting, occurring amidst ongoing protests and calls for police reform in Ferguson, is particularly fraught. Holder argued that such “senseless acts of violence” actively undermine the progress made by “nonviolent protesters” seeking change. This framing, however, risks conflating legitimate protest with criminal activity – a tactic critics accuse the DOJ of employing regularly.

As of this writing, the condition of the injured officers remains unknown. Local hospitals have not released any information, and police have maintained a tight lid on details. The investigation is expected to be a high priority for both local and federal authorities, with the DOJ’s involvement signaling a potential for expanded resources and scrutiny. The Department has a history of intervening in cases involving allegations of civil rights violations.

Holder concluded his statement with a pledge of unwavering support for law enforcement. “We stand unequivocally against all acts of violence against cops whenever and wherever they occur,” he said. Whether this commitment extends equally to investigating allegations of police misconduct, a frequent complaint in Ferguson and elsewhere, remains to be seen. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.