Michael Brown shooting: Governor declares state of emergency in Missouri ahead of grand jury verdict on police officer Darren Wilson
The St Louis suburb drew the world’s attention with violent clashes between police and protesters in the days after the shooting
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Governor of Missouri has declared a state of emergency ahead of a grand jury’s decision on whether to prosecute Darren Wilson, the white police officer who shot dead Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, in Ferguson on 9 August.
The St Louis suburb drew the world’s attention with violent clashes between police and protesters in the days after the shooting.
Governor Jay Nixon also said the state’s National Guard would be activated to assist police in the event of unrest following the decision, which many believe is imminent. “Regardless of the outcomes of the federal and state criminal investigations, there is the possibility of expanded unrest,” Governor Nixon said. “The state of Missouri will be prepared to appropriately respond to any reaction to these announcements.”
Unless it is extended, the state of emergency will last for 30 days. There is no date set for the grand jury verdict on whether Officer Wilson should be charged in the death of Brown, who was 18. The St Louis County prosecutor has said he expects a decision before the end of November.
On Sunday, several hundred people took to the streets of St Louis to demonstrate over Brown’s death. Though recent protests have been peaceful, residents, businesses and the authorities in Ferguson fear a repeat of the riots of late summer. “In the days immediately following Michael Brown’s death, peaceful protests were marred by senseless acts of violence and destruction,” Governor Nixon said last week. “That ugliness was not representative of Missouri, and it cannot be repeated.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments