ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today issued the following statement regarding the announcement of the St. Louis County grand jury’s decision in the investigation into the death of Michael Brown:

While the 12 men and women on the St. Louis County grand jury have concluded their work, the rest of us have much more work to do in order to use the lessons we have learned these past four months to create safer, stronger and more united communities.

As we continue to await word on the U.S. Justice Department’s ongoing investigation, I urge all those voicing their opinions regarding the grand jury’s decision to do so peacefully. I also urge everyone to continue working to make positive changes that will yield long-term social, economic and spiritual benefits for all our communities.

My commitment to the people of the region and state is this: I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and protect your right to speak.  We must also make a commitment to one another: to trust more and fear less, to hold ourselves to a higher standard of personal responsibility and mutual respect, and to keep working to extend the promise of America to all our citizens.

It is my continued hope and expectation that peace will prevail. The world is watching.  I am confident that together we will demonstrate the true strength and character of this region, and seize this opportunity to build a more just and prosperous future for all.