Ferguson curfew extended to second night as tensions mount over killing of unarmed teenager
- 10 years ago
Another day of tense demonstrations led to a second night of curfew in Ferguson, Missouri on Sunday.
Leading up to the midnight deadline, government forces used tear gas and fired smoke to try to disperse crowds of people who have been protesting since an unarmed, black teenager was fatally shot by police last week.
The Missouri Highway Patrol said so-called “aggressors” had tried to penetrate a law enforcement command post.
Other demonstrators appeared to march peacefully.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson, for allegedly disrupting traffic.
Local police have come under strong criticism and racial tensions are high.
Reverand Al Sharpton of the National Action Network spoke to a rally attended by members of Brown’s family.
“Ferguson and Michael Brown Junior will be a defining moment on how this country deals with policing and the rights of its citizens to redress how police behave in this country,” he told those gathered.
Police Captain Ron Johnson is said to have apologised to the family while at the rally, while US Attorney General Eric Holder has authorised a federal autopsy of Brown’s body, in an apparent attempt to ease tensions surrounding the incident.
A private autopsy ordered by the youth’s family reportedly concludes that he was shot six times – twice in the head.
Leading up to the midnight deadline, government forces used tear gas and fired smoke to try to disperse crowds of people who have been protesting since an unarmed, black teenager was fatally shot by police last week.
The Missouri Highway Patrol said so-called “aggressors” had tried to penetrate a law enforcement command post.
Other demonstrators appeared to march peacefully.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson, for allegedly disrupting traffic.
Local police have come under strong criticism and racial tensions are high.
Reverand Al Sharpton of the National Action Network spoke to a rally attended by members of Brown’s family.
“Ferguson and Michael Brown Junior will be a defining moment on how this country deals with policing and the rights of its citizens to redress how police behave in this country,” he told those gathered.
Police Captain Ron Johnson is said to have apologised to the family while at the rally, while US Attorney General Eric Holder has authorised a federal autopsy of Brown’s body, in an apparent attempt to ease tensions surrounding the incident.
A private autopsy ordered by the youth’s family reportedly concludes that he was shot six times – twice in the head.