National, state and local elected officials have weighed in on the acquittal of Jason Stockley, a former St. Louis police officer who fatally shot Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011.
U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, said he was outraged.
“Once again, another young Black man dies at the hands of a police officer…with no consequences,” Clay wrote, adding that Smith’s family and the community was denied justice. Lacy Clay also echoed Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner in saying the region must demand changes in law enforcement, citing a bill he introduced in Congress that would mandate increased sensitivity training for police officers to help them de-escalate potentially violent situations.
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said she was “appalled at what happened to Smith” and sobered by the outcome, urging people to show each other compassion.
Read what local elected officials have said below:
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri
My statement on the Jason Stockley verdict: https://t.co/FJN8aYosl0 pic.twitter.com/EGJuf5Truk
— Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) September 15, 2017
State Rep. Michael Butler, D-St. Louis
U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis
Republican Gov. Eric Greitens
We're committed to protecting constitutional rights, while also protecting people's lives, homes, and communities. https://t.co/DiCqcnq7ee
— Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) September 15, 2017
Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley
St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones, Democrat
My statement on the Stockley verdict. pic.twitter.com/yRWSjFezDI
— Tishaura O. Jones (@tishaura) September 15, 2017
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, Democrat
I am appalled at what happened to Anthony Lamar Smith, sobered by this outcome. Frustration, anger, hurt, pain, hope & love all intermingle. pic.twitter.com/nezvtIDBQC
— Mayor Lyda Krewson (@LydaKrewson) September 15, 2017
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri
St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed, Democrat
My statement regarding #Stockley verdict pic.twitter.com/0DnlJ3ntm0
— Lewis E. Reed (@PresReed) September 15, 2017
St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, Democrat
My statement in response to today's verdict in the Jason Stockley trial. pic.twitter.com/kwj0XMsXWP
— Steve Stenger (@StengerSTLCo) September 15, 2017
