In turn, the police and the Guard accused the rioters of widespread
sniping. Twenty-seven rioters were charged with sniping, but
twenty-two of these charges were dropped at the preliminary hearings
for lack of evidence. Later, one pleaded guilty to possessing an
unregistered gun, and he received a suspended sentence.
President Johnson appointed a commission, headed by Governor Otto
Kerner of Illinois to investigate the causes of the riots. In
particular, he wished to ascertain whether any subversive or
conspiratorial elements were involved. Although many did not like the
report, particularly because of the blame it laid on the white
community, it clearly proved that there had been no subversive or
conspiratorial elements in these riots. The report warned that America
was splitting into two nations: one black and one white. It believed
that racism and hatred were growing deeper and that communication
between the two communities was breaking down. The Commission made
several recommendations for change in government, business, and
society at large. These changes, however, would be very expensive.
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