Captain Ron Johnson with a heartfelt speech at Michael Brown rally
Captain Ron Johnson gave a passionate speech at the Michael Brown rally at the Greater Grace Church in Ferguson, Missouri. The church was completely full with north of 1300 people. The parking lots of the church were packed.
Captain Ron Johnson started his speech by first apologizing to Michael Brown’s family as an officer of the peace. “I want you to know that my heart goes out to you,” Captain Johnson said. “And I say that I am sorry. I wear this uniform. And I just stand up here and say that I am sorry.”
Captain Ron Johnson said that Ferguson Missouri is his neighborhood. He told the people at the rally that they are his family, his friends, and he is one of them.
He said he wanted the media to show the rally as it was. He implied that the people have been misrepresented by the media. He said in a recent interview a reporter noticed his change in demeanor. “The last 24 hours has been tough for me,” Johnson said. “I did an interview last night. The reporter said something is wrong. Your tone has changed. He said, ‘Are you tired or is something bothering you?’ I said my heart is heavy.”
Captain Ron Johnson said he met and spoke to members of Michael Brown’s family. He said they brought tears to his eyes and shame to his heart. He is scared not for himself but for ‘us’.
Captain Ron Johnson said he needed today to get back into the water. He said he is going to be there for however long it takes. After speaking about the love and fear for his son, he thanked Michael Brown for what this incident will do for the cause. At the end of his speech, Johnson said, “I love you. I stand tall with you. And I will see you out there.”