Missouri leaders react to Stockley verdict
Following the verdict of the Jason Stockley trial, many Missouri leaders and politicians are releasing statements.
Some of those leaders include Gov. Greitens, the University of Missouri, Sen. McCaskill, Rep. Walker, Sen. Nasheed and Sen. Blunt, among others.
“We know this verdict causes pain for many people. We have been in touch with city and county officials, and the State of Missouri will continue to assist them. I’m committed to protecting everyone’s constitutional right to protest peacefully, while also protecting people’s lives, homes, and communities. For anyone who protests, please do so peacefully,” said Gov. Greitens.
The university sent out an email to students, faculty and staff:
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
It was announced today that Jason Stockley, a former St. Louis police officer, was found not guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Lamar Smith. Some in our university campus communities have been following this trial closely and may have deep feelings and strong opinions about the verdict.
The University supports every individual’s right to express personal opinions and feelings in a peaceful manner. Our values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery and Excellence guide all of us, and we remain committed to free expression, but that expression must be shared in a peaceful manner.
It is important for all members of our community to know they are respected, valued, safe and a vital part of creating a positive culture on our campus. We are aware that conversations are being planned around campus. We will be sure to let you know as the details are finalized so that we can come together as a community to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Read other Missouri leaders’ statements below:
Sen. Claire McCaskill – “Some Missourians are sure to be pained by today’s decision, and others will agree with the ruling, but the fact is that none of us can let it detract from the goals that we all should share–safer streets, where police have the trust of the communities they serve, and a system of justice that’s fair to all of our citizens. The events in Ferguson shook our region to its core and forced us to face some tough realities. But since then, our law enforcement and the families and businesses they serve have begun talking and hearing each other. We can’t let today’s decision send us back to our respective corners. I know if we continue to have hard conversations in a candid, peaceful, and constructive way, we can make the kind of progress everyone in our state craves and deserves.”
Rep. Cora Walker – “As we have now learned of the not-guilty verdict in the Jason Stockley murder trial, we must have faith in the belief that we have an opportunity to come out of this better and stronger. We must allow and respect the catharsis that is to be expected from a community that has long-anticipated this outcome yet, we must also understand that violence and destruction are not constructive catalysts of positive change. Ultimately, we must hold fast to the belief that we have a chance to unite in a common goal of achieving true social justice that promotes and protects the dignity of all and work to enact to policies that advance substantive change: access to health care, quality education, good-paying jobs, safe and affordable housing, and prosperity for all.
I recognize the difficulties of addressing the systemic issues we face as a society and transforming the institutions that have perpetuated these issues. Yet, the courage of those on the front lines exercising one of the most fundamental tenets in our Democracy in pursuit of a more equitable and just society and the courage of those who truly serve our community and protect and uphold our Constitution, exemplifies our capacity if we have the courage to come together, commit to confronting our challenges, and concentrate our energies on making our region, our state, our country and our world, a better place for our children and for future generations to come.”
Sen. Jamilah Nasheed – “No outcome of this trial could ever bring back the life of Anthony Lamar Smith, a young man shot to death by Jason Stockley,” said Sen. Nasheed. “I stand with the peaceful protestors, clergy and activists whose voices rise up, demanding that integrity and accountability be restored to our justice system before another black life is taken too soon.”
Sen. Roy Blunt – “The family of Anthony Lamar Smith suffered a tragic loss. This is a difficult day for them, and for all St. Louisans who sought a different outcome in this case. The response to this verdict will have a lasting impact not just on the community, but the country. Every American has the right to protest peacefully, and should have no doubt that right will be protected. However, if this verdict is met with violence and destruction, it will do nothing but reignite the fear and anger that law enforcement and community leaders have worked tirelessly to address since Ferguson. If it is met with a renewed commitment to continuing the work that is needed to rebuild trust between law enforcement and those they serve, it will show the world how we, as Americans, move forward.”
AG Josh Hawley – “The First Amendment guarantees the right of every American to peaceably assemble and express their views and their grievances. I encourage protestors to demonstrate peacefully, mindful of their safety and the safety of others. I know our law enforcement will work to keep them safe.”
Rep. Michael Butler – “I am saddened for the family of Anthony Lamar Smith. I am appalled at our local justice system. I stand in solidarity with all that will non-violently react. This not guilty verdict of a police officer who violently killed a citizen is another slap in the face to the black community in St. Louis. And a shot in the heart to the family of the victim.
This system and all the politicians calling for peace are ignoring the pain this verdict causes our
communities. Anthony Lamar Smith is dead from a violent act and you want us to be peaceful? You want us to not feel anger? The very people paid to protect us are killing us, paid to make peace are perpetuating violence, and we are supposed to be peaceful?
We will be non-violent but we will not settle on peace. No justice. No peace.”
Missouri Democratic Party – “In the wake of the Stockley verdict, we hope that all Missourians will come together peacefully to work for change and the Missouri Democratic Party is absolutely committed to building communities that recognize black lives matter.”
UM System President Mun Choi – “Today, Jason Stockley, a former St. Louis police officer, was found not guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the on-duty shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith. We know that many in our communities may have strong feelings and opinions about the verdict after following the trial closely in recent months.
For that reason, it is important that as a university community, we continue to support every individual’s right to express personal opinions and feelings in a peaceful manner. We remain committed to free expression, but that expression must be shared in a peaceful manner.
Each of you are respected, valued, safe and an integral part of creating a positive culture in our living, working and learning environments. I encourage you to participate in ongoing conversations as we work together to create a strong foundation for our University.”
Rep. Brandon Ellington – “The very definition of premeditation is to think about an action and then carry it out. If I made a statement saying, ‘I’m going to kill this individual’ and I fatally shoot and kill that same individual less than two minutes later, I would be guilty of premeditated murder. In the case dealing with Anthony Lamar Smith and ex-officer Jason Stockley, it appears as though the courts in the city of St. Louis are participating in premeditated collusion of the law.
“I wish I could say that I was shocked by the decision, but history has shown time and time again that St. Louis police officers are allowed to continue to murder black men on camera with no guilty verdict in court. I’m calling on Gov. Greitens to show as much concern towards the lack of accountability and action taken in the criminal justice system as he does regarding the protection and safety of law enforcement. “I am calling on the governor to instruct the National Guard to ensure the safety of protestors. My fear is that law enforcement has been given a free pass to murder and this again can be proven by the lack of verdicts in the city of St. Louis.” Columbia Mayor Brian Treece – “Today, former St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley was found not guilty of murdering Anthony Smith while on duty in 2011. As this decision inspires protests in St. Louis, some in our community may properly question whether justice was served in this decision.
Here in Columbia, the City Council has taken specific steps to address the challenges our communities face. The City’s independent Civilian Police Review Board examines complaints and allegations of misconduct. New Municipal Court reforms have been adopted, which include extended court hours to accommodate citizens and the recently announced warrant amnesty program. Body cameras are used to document every interaction with the citizens our officers serve and protect, and Columbia Police Officers undertake hundreds of hours of trainin g to become better public servants by recognizing bias and how to de-escalate events to avoid the use of force.
The City of Columbia – along with the University of Missouri, Boone County, Columbia Public Schools and others – have made social equity a keystone of our interactions with everyone in our community.
Peaceful protests and public discourse are a cornerstone of our community’s civic and democratic values. We ask those who wish to gather to do so peacefully and safely at Courthouse Square on Walnut between 9th and 10th streets. Our local law enforcement officers are committed to protecting First Amendment rights and public safety.
We continue to discuss policing issues with members of our community including the NAACP; Race Matters, Friends; local clergy and youth groups. Much progress has been made. But more work rema ins to be done. We embrace differences and learn from each other to create a better community for all.”
Rep. Joshua Peters – “Nearly six years ago, Anthony Lamar Smith, a 24-year old father, was shot and killed by a St. Louis Police Officer on West Florissant. That it took this long for a trial is reason enough to be outraged. That Jason Stockley was found innocent given what evidence has been publicly available is an outrage. The manner in which evidence and investigation was handled was an outrage.
Two years ago, I proposed legislation to have the Missouri Highway Patrol take over the investigation of police shootings resulting in the death of an individual. Other states have done so to eliminate the obvious conflict of interest a police department has in investigating one of its own. I once again call on the Republican leadership of the House to give the people back a sense of justice, of fairness, of faith in our judicial process.
Years after the shooting of Michael Brown we seem to have learned nothing.
The knee-jerk reaction of the Governor to put the Missouri National Guard on alert, of the Trump Administration to remilitarize the police, of City Hall to say the city is ready to arrest people simply ratcheting up the rhetoric for political points. What are they preparing to do? To shoot down protestors in the streets because of the righteous indignation at a system they can no longer trust or believe in?
My hope and prayers are for peaceful protests that will show the nation the calm restraint and strength of the exercise of free speech. I hope and pray that those who continue to allow a flawed system of criminal justice to exist, where justice is selective, will finally be shamed by the eyes of a nation and do something to fix this broken system.”
