Washington ( CNN ) -- Members of the Congressional Black Caucus gave voice to the frustrations of demonstrators who gathered in Ferguson , Missouri , as well as places like Washington , D.C. , Monday night to protest a grand jury 's decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown . Rep. Marcia Fudge , the caucus ' chair , called the grand jury 's decision a `` slap in the face to Americans nationwide '' in a statement released just moments after St. Louis County prosecutor Robert McCulloch announced the grand jury 's decision . `` This decision seems to underscore an unwritten rule that Black lives hold no value ; that you may kill Black men in this country without consequences or repercussions , '' Fudge said , calling the decision a `` miscarriage of justice . '' Complete coverage of what 's happening in Ferguson . The shooting of Brown , an unarmed black teenager , at the hands of Wilson , who is white , drove locals and activists around the country to the streets of Ferguson this summer and again this week in anticipation of a grand jury announcement which many hoped would at least deliver a trial in the shooting . As tensions in Ferguson flared and violence erupted amid largely peaceful protests , the caucus members called on protesters to remain peaceful in expressing their anger and urged activists to channel a moment of frustration into a larger movement to effect change on the justice system and relations between African-American communities and police departments nationwide . Rep. John Lewis , a veteran of the civil rights movement who helped lead the 1963 March on Washington alongside Rev . Martin Luther King , Jr. , sent a message to protestors on Twitter : . `` Only love can overcome hate . Only nonviolence can overcome violence , '' he tweeted . `` I know this hard . I know this is difficult . Do not succumb to the temptations of violence . There is a more powerful way . '' Obama calls anger over Ferguson decision 'understandable , ' but urges peace . The Black Caucus members also stressed the need for the Justice Department to pursue its federal civil rights investigation into the deadly shooting , with several calling the local investigation deeply flawed . Rep. Karen Bass said in a statement Monday that she was `` deeply disturbed '' that the grand jury did not indict Wilson . `` The announcement continues a trend of injustice that has rightfully created an environment of anger and concern in Ferguson , Missouri and across the United States , '' Bass said . `` From the onset , Ferguson law officials have been negligent in their handling of this tragic death . '' She said Ferguson officials `` botched '' the case from the start , noting that Brown 's body was in the street for hours after he was killed and called officials `` mean-spirited '' for leaking surveillance footage of Brown stealing cigars from a convenience store shortly before he was gunned down . That footage had not been requested by media in an information request . `` And tonight the grand jury attacked justice by not holding Officer Wilson accountable for his actions , '' she said . '' Attorney General Eric Holder pledged Monday night to pursue the civil rights investigation into the shooting and a second investigation into allegations of misconduct by the Ferguson Police Department . Rep. Lacy Clay , who represents Ferguson and St. Louis County in Congress , called the grand jury 's decision `` extremely disappointing '' and said he shares `` the anger and frustration , '' but called on protesters to be nonviolent . Poll finds racial divide over Wilson charges . Clay added that he was not surprised by the grand jury 's decision and said he had been concerned about the local investigation since Brown 's death . `` The pursuit of justice for Michael Brown , Jr. and his family is not over , '' he said . '' The two senators from Missouri , Democrat Claire McCaskill and Republican Roy Blunt released statements following the grand jury 's decision calling for protests to remain peaceful . Blunt said in a statement he hoped the community could `` move forward and heal as we work to find better job opportunities in and more investment for challenged communities . '' He added that his thoughts were with Brown 's family and with `` those in law enforcement who continue to protect the rights of all they serve . '' McCaskill acknowledged that many were disappointed by the decision and said she is waiting for the results of the Justice Department 's civil rights investigation . Holder : Federal Ferguson investigation will continue . `` While we await the conclusion of that independent investigationâ€ ” and continue working together for solutions to systemic issues highlighted by this tragedyâ€ ” I 'm praying that the good people of St. Louis and local law enforcement will remain peaceful and respectful of one another , '' McCaskill said . Another Missouri lawmaker and member of the Congressional Black Caucus , Rep. Emanuel Cleaver , posted a dozen messages on Twitter as St. Louis County prosecutor began his press conference to announce the grand jury 's conclusion . Sen. Cory Booker , the only Senator in the black caucus , tweeted after the grand jury decision Thursday that his thoughts were with Michael Brown 's family and echoed `` their calls for peace / nonviolence . '' Sen. Tim Scott , a black Republican who is not a member of the caucus , said he hoped that `` good can come out of this tragic situation '' and called on activists to channel their frustration into `` productive ways to build our communities . ''
The Congressional Black Caucus called the decision to not try Darren Wilson ' a slap in the face ' Some members of Congress took Twitter overnight to express their disappointment with the case . Rep. Marcia Lewis , the caucus ' chair , called the decision a ' miscarriage of justice '