Missouri Governor declares state of emergency in Ferguson

World Today

FERGUSON, MO – AUGUST 15: Police put on riot gear to confront demonstrators during a protest over the death of Michael Williams. County police shot pepper spray, smoke, gas and flash grenades at protesters before retreating.  (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP)

Tensions remain high in Ferguson, in the U.S. state of Missouri, a week after police shot and killed an unarmed teenager there. Ongoing violence prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency.

Missouri Governor declares state of emergency in Ferguson

Tensions remain high in Ferguson, a U.S. city in Missouri, a week after police shot and killed an unarmed teenager there. Ongoing violence prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency.

“Last night, after hours of peaceful protesting, small groups took to the streets with the intent of committing crimes and endangering citizens. That is unacceptable. So to protect the people and property of Ferguson, today I signed an order declaring a state of emergency and the implementation of a curfew.” – Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

The nighttime curfew went into effect at midnight local time and was put in place after protesters clashed with police, some looting stores and setting fires.

Anger erupted after officials released a video of the victim, Michael Brown, they say robbed a store before he was killed. Police say the officer did not know the victim may have been involved in the theft. The governor has promised a swift investigation into the shooting. Jay Gray reports from Ferguson.

Ferguson, Missouri: Tensions mount a week after teen\'s death

Police say the officer did not know the victim may have been involved in the theft. The governor has promised a swift investigation into the shooting. Jay Gray reports from Ferguson.

A week after Brown’s death, hundreds gathered in the middle of a neighborhood road, the spot where he was killed.

A day’s peaceful protest comes after another night of violence in Ferguson, which included tear gas and more looting. Police in riot gear initially stayed back. Instead, it was members of the community that rushed in.

One of the businesses hit was the market and liquor store where, police say, Brown was involved in a “strong arm” robbery just before he was killed. They released a surveillance video of the incident late Friday.

After Friday night’s violence. Missouri governor Jay Nixon, in a news conference interrupted several times by screaming, declared the state of emergency in Ferguson.

Saturday, many of the protesters paused for a few hours to help clean up their community. The parking lots are where they have gathered, as well as in stores that were looted overnight.

“Do not associate this with my baby cousin,” said Ty Pruitt, Michael Brown’s cousin. “Don’t put his name with this, because this is not for him. This is not for us. We didn’t ask for this. We didn’t want this.”

What Michael Brown’s family and what so many in Ferguson both say they do want are answers.