Protestors and police await imminent Ferguson grand jury

World Today

More protests and arrests took place in the U.S. state of Missouri ahead of a key decision in the case of the shooting death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager who was killed by a white police officer in Missouri August. CCTV America’s Hendrik Sybrandy reported this story from Ferguson, Missouri.

A decision on whether to bring charges against the police officer Darren Wilson could come at any time.

It’s a city that’s trying to go about its business, but there’s really only one thing on people’s minds.

“I think sometimes we see humanity as sometimes needing to be perfect, but people are angry and it’s okay to be angry,” said Allen Mitchell, pastor of Tennessee Church.

Two months after a grand jury began hearing evidence related to Brown’s death, the street where he died remains covered in flowers. Emotions in Ferguson are high, and there’s worry in the community about what could happen there once the grand jurors finish their work.

“They’re fearful. They’re scared. They range from the very young to the very old,” said Jonathan Gray, the Brown family’s lawyer. “People have expressed concerns about their medicine and being able to get to medicine. I mean, by and large, let’s just face it, the city is really in a panic at this point.”

“It’s apparent all over St. Louis. Go in some stores, people are stocking up water, food, and gasoline, and lights and cameras,” said Ferguson resident Allen Berry.

The anger in Ferguson over Wilson’s actions and the way police reacted to that anger in August remains very real. Many in the community have said they’re ready to take to the streets again.

“I feel like Darren Wilson should be indicted, because he killed the 18-year-old boy that did not deserve to die,” said Ferguson resident Makayla Wooldridge.

On Friday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asked that police minimize needless confrontation if new protests erupt. Brown’s father also asked protesters to remain peaceful.

“I ask all those who seek to lend their voice to important causes and discussions and who seek to elevate these vital conversations to do so in a way that respects the gravity of their subject matter, said Holder.

“Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer, no matter what the grand jury decides,” said Michael Brown Sr. “I do not want my son’s death to be in vain.”

Mayor Francis Slay of nearby St. Louis said preparations were in place to make sure protesters’ rights were respected and that people and property were kept safe.

“The protesters are non-violent, police will not be aggressive,” said Slay. “But if some protesters turn violent, or threaten or are threatening, police will respond to keep everyone safe, including bystanders, the peaceful protesters, and police officers themselves.”