WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement today from Missouri:

“Today, I spoke with Attorney General Eric Holder about the continued investigation in Ferguson, and I continue to monitor what I believe is close coordination between county and federal authorities. It’s important to remember that this tragedy began when a young man lost his life, and I support local and federal officials in their efforts to conduct open, transparent, and parallel investigations into what happened here. Michael Brown’s memory, his family, and his community are not well-served by more violence.”

The Associated Press also reported that Holder is promising the family of an unarmed black teenager shot by police in Missouri a full, independent civil rights investigation.

Holder’s promise came Thursday in a telephone call with the family of 18-year-old Michael Brown. A law enforcement official tells The Associated Press that Holder spoke to the Brown family while they visited the U.S. attorney’s office in Missouri.

The official was not authorized to be identified by name and requested anonymity to discuss Holder’s call.