Gov. Jay Nixon, D-Mo., called Tuesday for “a vigorous prosecution” in response to the Aug. 9 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

But a spokesman for Nixon says the comment was misinterpreted and the governor isn't calling for police officer Darren Wilson to be prosecuted for killing the unarmed teen.

“The governor’s comments yesterday were not intended to indicate prejudgment in this matter," said Nixon press secretary Scott Holste in an emailed statement.

Rather, he says, “The governor used the term ‘prosecution’ to refer to all duties and responsibilities of the prosecuting attorney, including the exercise of prosecutorial discretion; whether and what evidence to present to the grand jury; the filing of criminal charges if supported by the evidence; representing the state if charges are brought; and ultimately ensuring that justice is served."

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/08/20/gov-jay-nixon...