Missouri Congressman voices his concerns about Ferguson situation

Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer spoke about several issues to a crowd of about 50 people at the Rotary Club in Moberly on Thursday.

He discussed the healthcare exchange, interest rates and even spoke about the Ferguson situation with ABC 17 after the meeting.

Luetkemeyer said it’s a local issue and it should be handled that way. He said he hopes the local authorities, who seem to be on top of it, will start getting down to the facts. He appreciates the help from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the National Guard, and said with enough people involved, the truth will come out.

However, Luetkemeyer said the problem with the unrest stems from outsiders taking advantage of a local issue.

“The tragedy of this is outsiders coming in and trying to stir up trouble,” Luetkemeyer said. “This is a local issue that…we have a very tragic situation here. We don’t need people from the outside coming in and stirring up the problem. Just let the local folks heal their wounds, find out what’s going on and solve the problem. I think, left alone, that they can do that.”

Luetkemeyer went on to say that while the investigation continues, people should “keep their powder dry” and let those investigating get to the bottom of it.

The arrest records show more than 160 people have been taken into custody from the protests, but only seven of them actually live in Ferguson.