Michael Brown's stepdad apologizes for his response to Ferguson verdict

Michael Brown's stepdad apologizes for his response to Ferguson verdict
(Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Michael Brown's stepfather apologized Wednesday on CNN for his reaction to last week's grand jury verdict to not indict police officer Darren Wilson in his son's death.

Ferguson police are investigating whether Louis Head intended to start a riot with his Nov. 24 comments, "Burn this motherf--er down!" and "Burn this bitch down!"

He told CNN's Don Lemon:

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I was so angry and full of raw emotions, as so many others were, and granted, I screamed out words that I shouldn't have screamed in the heat of the moment. It was wrong, and I humbly apologize to all of those who read my pain and anger as a true desire for what I want for our community. [CNN]

Head also emphasized he should not be blamed for the negative reactions to the verdict in Ferguson and elsewhere. Law enforcement officials told CNN a direct connection between Head's words and rioting would be difficult to prove. --Julie Kliegman

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Julie Kliegman

Julie Kliegman is a freelance writer based in New York. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Vox, Mental Floss, Paste, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact. Her cats can do somersaults.