FERGUSON, Mo., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Ferguson police chief Thomas Jackson apologized Thursday for the death of Michael Brown and to any peaceful protesters who felt their rights were not adequately respected.
In a video apology, Jackson said specifically he was sorry for the fact it took so long to remove Brown's body after he was fatally shot by Officer Darren Wilson.
"I'm truly sorry for the loss of your son. I'm also sorry that it took so long to remove Michael from the street," he said. "It was just too long, and I'm truly sorry for that."
The shooting of Brown led to protests that turned violent as racial tensions between police and citizens led to violence. On Tuesday the protests reignited, and while mostly peaceful, some took to looting and attacking police officers, reports CNN.
While he apologized for the violations of the rights of the protesters, he said Wednesday police will respond appropriately to prevent injury and death.
"If that means officers will respond in riot gear, they will," Jackson said Wednesday. "We cannot have nights like last night. We can't have actions like last night that can result in injury or death. Those will not be tolerated."
