Unrest continues as Ferguson residents wait for decision on police officer charges

World Today

Hands Up Don't ShopA woman urges people not to shop as she protests the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, on November 22, 2014. Tensions rose in Ferguson wait while a grand jury decides whether to prosecute a white police officer for killing an unarmed black teenager. (AFP PHOTO: Jewel Samad)

The country still waits for an outcome in Ferguson, Missouri as grand jurors decide whether to indict white police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown. The panel has been hearing evidence for the past two months. The prosecutor in the case said a decision is expected by the end of the month.

CCTV America’s Hendrik Sybrandy reported the story from Ferguson, Missouri.

“I don’t expect bad things to happen,” said Ferguson resident Ank Ankenbrand about possible events following a grand jury decision. “I think there may be bits and pieces of it, but I don’t expect it to be real bad. But it could.”

No one in the community quite knows what to expect, or whether demonstrations will turn violent like they did in August right after Michael Brown’s death.

A cousin of Brown’s said it was time for a resolution to this case. She hopes that any protests stay peaceful.

“As a family we’re trying to keep the peace thing going, but we can only lift our voices so high,” said Brown’s cousin, Sabrina Webb.

There was real anger near Brown’s memorial, and a feeling of resignation that Officer Darren Wilson will be cleared of all charges.

“It’s too many people out here mad. It’s too much going on,” said Ferguson resident Marneisha Wallace. “We’re not getting what we’re supposed to be getting. We’re supposed to have justice for Mike Brown. They’re not giving us that at all.”

Some police officers and residents on Saturday engaged in a heated dialogue that could be a preview of things to come.

Ankenbrand, a volunteer at a shop that sells Ferguson memorabilia said he was nervous about the next few days and said he was not the only one.

“I know physically, I know I can feel it. It’s tough to have the not knowing,” he said.

Wallace said even the prospect of heavy rain on Sunday won’t douse emotions that could spill out once grand jurors finally make up their minds.

“They got their jackets on. They cool. This natural weather is not stopping anything at all,” she said. “It can rain. Where’s my umbrella? It’s not stopping anything until we get our justice, it’s not going to be right.”