The two police officers shot in Ferguson during the night are expected to recover and have no long-term injuries, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said Thursday at a press conference.
The officers were shot just after midnight as a crowd of protesters gathered outside the Ferguson Police Department following Wednesday’s resignation of embattled Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson. A 32-year-old officer from nearby town Webster Groves was struck in the face, while a 41-year-old St. Louis County officer was hit in the shoulder.
Chief Belmar said it was “by God’s grace” the two officers weren’t injured worse.
“We could have buried two police officers next week over this,” Chief Belmar said.
Chief Belmar said he believes the shootings were premeditated. Police have not made any arrests and are still combing the area for evidence, but the chief said investigators have possibly identified a suspect.
Attorney General Eric Holder called the shootings a “heinous assault” in a statement issued Thursday.
“I condemn violence against any public safety officials in the strongest terms, and the Department of Justice will never accept any threats or violence directed at those who serve and protect our communities,” he said.
• Phillip Swarts can be reached at pswarts@washingtontimes.com.
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