Ruling in Michael Brown case sparks riots in Ferguson
Michael Brown, an 18-year-old black man, was shot and killed by Darren Wilson, a white police officer, in Ferguson, Missouri on Aug. 9. On Nov. 24, a grand jury announced their decision to not indict Wilson, sparking an increase in rioting and protest across the city.
While the decision incited deeper unrest, protests – both peaceful and violent – have been ongoing in Ferguson, a predominantly black community with a police force that is, on large, white. With the increase in intensity of the riots, authorities over 80 arrests in the St Louis area – 61 in Ferguson alone – overnight in the chaos.
Thousands of others across America, from L.A. to New York, protested the decision.
Though many had called for Wilson to be charged with murder, the jury – randomly selected, with nine white and three black members – recommended no charges after three months of deliberation. At least nine votes would have been needed to issue an indictment.
Brown’s family, joined by President Barack Obama, urged the citizens of Ferguson and America on large to peacefully accept the decision, as it was “the grand jury’s to make.”
“We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions,” said Brown’s family in a statement. However, they also plead for calm amidst the protests, appealing for rioters to “not just make noise [but] make a difference.” Brown’s family is also calling for policy reform that would have all police officers wear body cameras in the field.
Though the murder charges have been dropped, a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation remains under way, looking into whether or not Wilson violated Brown’s civil rights. The DOJ is also investigating practices at the Ferguson police department, reviewing the use of force over the last four years.
Wilson, 28, currently remains on paid leave.
-Compiled by Alyssa Ottema