Justice Department and FBI representatives have had a front-row seat to the St. Louis County investigation into the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. They've participated on witness interviews and got full access to grand jury testimony and evidence. But in the coming weeks, when local authorities announce the results of the investigation and a decision by the grand jury on possible charges against the police officer who killed him, don't expect federal authorities to be standing next to county prosecutor Robert McCulloch. McCulloch has pushed for the federal officials to coordinate the completion of the separate federal civil rights investigation and to make a joint announcement, according to federal and local officials briefed on the discussions.
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Local officials want a united front when a grand jury decision is announced
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Justice Department officials have rejected the idea; they want to appear independent
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Officials fear being blamed if violence erupts after the decision is announced
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A grand jury is deciding whether to bring Officer Darren Wilson to trial in Michael Brown's death
Ferguson on edge as doubts raised over @placeholder indictment