Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson Will Go Free Over The Shooting Death Of Mike Brown
"We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequences of his actions."
Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson has not been indicted by a grand jury over the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Mike Brown. Wilson shot and killed 18-year-old Brown in August, prompting widespread demonstrations in the Missouri suburb of Ferguson and outrage over perceptions of a police cover-up and the use of excessive force against protesters and journalists. The decision means that the grand jury believes Wilson has no case to answer and will not hand down an indictment.
Addressing the court around an hour ago, St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch took the time during the announcement to scold social media and journalists, saying that “the most significant challenge encountered in this investigation has been the 24-hour news cycle, and its insatiable appetite for something, for anything to talk about. Following closely behind were the non-stop rumours on social media.
“I recognise, of course, that the lack of accurate detail surrounding the shooting frustrates the media and the general public, and helps breed suspicion among those already distrustful of the system. Yet those closely guarded details, especially about the physical evidence, give law enforcement the yardstick for measuring the truthfulness of witnesses. Eyewitness accounts must always be challenged and compared against the physical evidence.”
In a statement released to the media, Brown’s parents called for protesters to demonstrate peacefully “in ways that will make a positive change”.
Mike Brown Parents neither peace nor anarchy can placate their pain #InjusticePrevailed #WhiteJustice #BlackManCurse pic.twitter.com/QWuhSwEGin
— Sheriff Ali (@sheriffali) November 25, 2014
Because I know people are rightfully angry please read this statement from #MikeBrown‘s parents: #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/zLc9DJZCt7 — CatherineAJuste (@CatherineFAJ) November 25, 2014
Nonetheless, people both on the streets and online have reacted with fury to the news online, and large-scale protests have erupted in Ferguson and cities around the United States, including New York, Oakland, Seattle and Chicago.
Cities around the nation react to #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/QfpfUZs2wh
— Logan Rhoades (@LoganRhoades) November 25, 2014
That is some bold shit, detailing how they are going to let Wilson get away with murder in plain sight. — Roxane Gay (@rgay) November 25, 2014
Michael Brown’s mother broke down in tears. She ran down the street crying after hearing announcement with crowds outside #Ferguson PD — Sara Sidner (@sarasidnerCNN) November 25, 2014
This is deep #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/rHXiIVImqo — Sammy (@SammyTellem) November 25, 2014
Shortly after the decision was handed down, President Barack Obama delivered a livestreamed statement from the White House calling for calm and urging protesters and police to keep the peace.
“We are a nation built on the rule of law. And so we must accept that this decision was the grand jury’s to make.” —Obama #Ferguson — The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2014
“I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully.” —President Obama #Ferguson — The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2014
“Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone. We should be honoring their wishes.” —President Obama #Ferguson — The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2014
“I also appeal to the law enforcement officials in #Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests” —Obama — The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 25, 2014
As Obama spoke, reports began coming through from Ferguson that police were firing tear gas on increasingly agitated protesters.
tear gas being shot into residential neighborhoods now. unbelievable. #ferguson — Koi Fres¢o (@koifresco) November 25, 2014
This is a very bad situation. Police, heavy vehicles moving in. Weapons drawn. Dogs barking. #Ferguson — jelani cobb (@jelani9) November 25, 2014
Tear gas fills the streets of #Ferguson as Obama calls on people to “turn this into a positive situation.” — Jim Roberts (@nycjim) November 25, 2014
The St Louis Police Department claimed they were not firing tear gas, but smoke, to clear the streets.
Police are not deploying tear gas. They are using #smoke to break up unruly crowds. #Ferguson — St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) November 25, 2014
You can watch a livestream of the streets of Ferguson here.