Leaders in Washington, D.C., have urged for peace following the grand jury's decision not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

While some protests escalated into violence, President Barack Obama called for restraint despite the grand jury's outcome.

"It's an outcome that, either way, was going to be subject of intense disagreement not only in Ferguson, but across America," Obama said on Monday night. He said there are Americans that agree with the decision while others will be "deeply disappointed, even angry."

As of Tuesday at noon, 61 people were arrested overnight followed the unrest of the grand jury's decision not to indict Wilson. Based on information provided by St. Louis County Police Sgt. Brian Schellman, some of the arrested individuals were detained for more than one crime and include people between the ages of 17 and 66. The total amount of people arrested may change as filing for arsons, burglaries, property damages and thefts take more time to finalized.

While the unrest occurred following 9 p.m., local time, Obama echoed the statements of Michael Brown's father, who said, "Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer. No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son's death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone."

Obama also called for law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show "care and restraint" and allow the peaceful protests.

"As they (law enforcement officials) do their jobs in the coming days, they need to work with the community, not against the community, to distinguish the handful of people who may use the grand jury's decision as an excuse for violence -- distinguish them from the vast majority who just want their voices heard around legitimate issues in terms of how communities and law enforcement interact," Obama said.

According to Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder has been tasked to work with cities, nationwide, on improving relations between communities and law enforcement.

"We need to recognize that this is not just an issue for Ferguson, this is an issue for America," Obama said. "We have made enormous progress in race relations over the course of the past several decades. I've witnessed that in my own life. And to deny that progress I think is to deny America's capacity for change."

Holder, who visited Ferguson last August, reiterated the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation to Brown's death "remains ongoing." Holder said the Justice Department has shared information with local prosecutors during the DOJ's investigation but ensured it's an independent case and avoided "prejudging" any evidence.

"Though there will be disagreement with the grand jury's decision not to indict, this feeling should not lead to violence. Those who decide to participate in demonstrations should remember the wishes of Michael Brown's parents, who have asked that remembrances of their son be conducted peacefully. It does not honor his memory to engage in violence or looting," Holder said in a statement.

Holder called Brown's death a tragedy that has sparked a national conversation between communities and law enforcement, but added that trust needs to be created between both sides. According to the attorney general, community leaders will continue to work with civil rights, community, faith and law enforcement officials to "foster effective relationships" and "improve fairness in the criminal justice system overall."

"In the coming days, it will likewise be important for local law enforcement authorities to respect the rights of demonstrators, and deescalate tensions by avoiding excessive displays -- and uses -- of force," Holder said.

The Republican Party's leadership, including Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, and newly elected Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., have not issued comments on the events in Ferguson.

Brown, an 18-year-old African-American high school graduate, was shot by Wilson on Aug. 9.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.