Sharpton Says "Bogus" Daily News Story Claiming He's Asked To Stay Away From S. Carolina

Rev. Al Sharpton speaking at NAN's 2015 Convention yesterday-- today he refutes Daily News story

The Rev. Al Sharpton, reacting to a story in The New York Daily News under the headline "WE DON'T WANT A FERGUSON-TYPE CIRCUS: Scott's family urges Rev. Al to stay away..." issued the following statement calling the report "bogus."

STATEMENT FROM REV. AL SHARPTON REGARDING BOGUS DAILY NEWS COVER STORY: “Today’s Daily News story is bogus and has no merit.  I have been invited to preach in North Charleston, SC, on Sunday and to help lead a healing prayer vigil that afternoon by local clergy who have worked on this case from the beginning.

There has never been a discussion about me attending or participating in the funeral on Saturday, since everyone knows that NAN’s convention with thousands of delegates is happening in New York and doesn’t end until Saturday night. In fact every major civil rights organization leaders will join me on Saturday morning for a press conference.  

I have not decided whether or not I will accept the invitation to preach in North Charleston and participate in the prayer vigil on Sunday. However, I am told the mayor and police chief have said that if I do choose to come they will attend the service as we seek healing and justice in these matters.

Rev. Nelson Rivers who pastors in North Charleston and Brother Johnson who have both been our point people in the area for years have been working closely with the family and their attorney, Charles Stewart, since Saturday. Mr. Stewart has had them speak at every press conference on behalf of the case and the family. He also told the Daily News that but they chose, for whatever reason, to try to fabricate a rift that does not exist. I will announce my decision regarding Sunday at a later point.”

-Reverend Al Sharpton, President, National Action Network