We're standing by for the Ferguson grand jury decision
LatestA grand jury has reached a decision on whether to charge officer Darren Wilson for the shooting death of unarmed black teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.
The announcement of the decision is expected to be made at a press conference scheduled for 8 p.m. Central time.
In preparation for possible incidents of violence, Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri has already declared a state of emergency in the state. The National Guard has been activated, and the St. Louis County and Ferguson Police Departments will act as a “unified command” following the announcement.
Protesters have spent 108 days awaiting this decision, and have prepared in-depth plans for mobilization in the case that Wilson is not indicted. Protests have also been planned across the country for when the decision comes down.
Local businesses and residents have taken to boarding up windows in anticipation of violent clashes like the ones that racked the area in August, when Brown was first shot. Residents in nearby town Clayton have also taken to hiring private security companies to prevent any damage to property and businesses.
“Yes, there’s a plan for what to do if he’s [indicted]. But that is far easier to plan than a no-indictment,” wrote activist leader Deray McKesson on Twitter. “We’re ready.”
Activists and police have agreed to 8 of 19 proposed “Rules of Engagement” in anticipation of widespread protesting. The rules that were agreed to include the preservation of human life as a top priority, and that the police would treat protesters as citizens and not as “enemy combatants.” Other proposed rules that would limit the use of “crowd control equipment” such as tear gas and rubber bullets were not agreed to by police.
As part of the state of emergency that he declared two weeks ago, Gov. Nixon made it clear that acts of violence “will not be tolerated” following the grand jury’s decision. Activists have pledged to adhere to the principle of nonviolent civil disobedience.
Daniel Rivero is a producer/reporter for Fusion who focuses on police and justice issues. He also skateboards, does a bunch of arts related things on his off time, and likes Cuban coffee.