Browns reject police chief’s apology

The parents of Michael Brown, a black teenager who was shot dead by police in the US state of Missouri last month, have rejected the Ferguson police chief’s apology.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday, the 18-year-old’s mother, Lesley McSpadden, demanded police chief Tom Jackson’s ouster, while his father, Michael Brown Sr., called for the arrest of white police officer Darren Wilson, who shot their son on August 9.

“An apology would be when Darren Wilson has handcuffs, processed and charged with murder,” Brown Sr. said.

The fatal shooting of Brown sparked weeks of violence in Ferguson, a predominantly African-American town of 21,000. The violent protests resumed on Tuesday after a fire destroyed a memorial dedicated to the teenager.

On Thursday, Jackson apologized to the family of Brown, following weeks of heavy criticism and calls for his resignation.

“I want to say this to the Brown family. No one who has not experienced the loss of a child can understand what you are feeling,” Jackson said in a video statement. “I am truly sorry for the loss of your son.”

McSpadden, Brown’s mother, said, “I don’t want words, I want action.” She added that Jackson should be fired.

Brown was shot at least six times, including twice in the head, by Wilson. Though police have a different account about the deadly shooting incident, several eyewitnesses say the unarmed teen held up his arms in surrender before he was repeatedly shot.

Brown’s family and activists want prosecutors to charge Wilson with murder, although he has continued his job on paid administrative leave. Wilson has spoken with investigators and testified before a grand jury, who is still considering his case.

The US Department of Justice and FBI are continuing to investigate the incident for civil rights violations. Police brutality and the unnecessary use of heavy-handed tactics have become a major concern across the US in recent years.

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