Mother Jones
Grand jury decides not to indict: The grand jury reviewing Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson’s case in St. Louis County announced on Monday night that Wilson will not be charged in the shooting death of Michael Brown. The decision came more than three months after Wilson shot and killed Brown, the unarmed black teenager whose death on August 9 triggered weeks of protests that included sporadic violence and looting.
Twelve jurors—nine whites and three African Americans—reviewed Wilson’s case. Their decision continues a long-running pattern of police officers involved in fatal shootings going unprosecuted.
Brown family issues statement: Mike Brown’s parents released a statement following the grand jury decision asking protesters keep their actions peaceful:
Mike Brown’s parents’ statement, “Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference.” pic.twitter.com/BVTJq93zB0
— Jasmine Vallejo (@jasminevallejo)
Wilson’s lawyers issue statement: Wilson’s attorneys also released a statement, saying that “Law enforcement personnel must frequently make split-second and difficult decisions”:
From @ChristineDByers: Officer Darren Wilson’s statement regarding the grand jury decision pic.twitter.com/RpntsXwWLi
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews)
Restricted air space: The Federal Aviation Administration confirms to Mother Jones that it restricted air space over Ferguson at 10:15 p.m. local time “due to gunfire.” The resrtiction was in effect from the surface to 3,000 feet above sea level (about 2,500 feet off the ground), so that’s why some news feeds were still working above the area.
President Obama reacts: Shortly after 10pm Eastern time, the president spoke, urging a peaceful response to the news. “Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone. We should be honoring their wishes.”
Attorney General issues statement: Attorney General Eric Holder has released the following statement, saying the federal investigation into the shooting is still ongoing. (Read more about the Department of Justice’s investigation here):
Official statement of AG Eric Holder regarding the #Ferguson Grand Jury decision not to indict #DarrenWilson. pic.twitter.com/qXsh5M5bPG
— April (@ReignOfApril)
Photos of Wilson released: Meanwhile, St. Louis County prosecutor Robert McCulloch said Wilson suffered “some swelling and redness to his face”:
JUST IN: Newly released photos of Officer Darren Wilson’s injuries, presented to the grand jury pic.twitter.com/SfGTVgKVG3
— CBS News (@CBSNews)
More reactions: Some reactions from around the Ferguson area:
South of PD https://t.co/RsPzxfaKHn
— Paul Hampel (@phampel)
Words literally fail. #ferguson pic.twitter.com/JIGUXNaohr
— Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox)
#Ferguson: What may become an iconic moment. One man stands with his hands up blocking armored vehicles. @ksdknews pic.twitter.com/ieOIQVooNu
— Russ Ptacek Reports (@RussPtacek)
Several fires pop up: Multiple reports of fires started to roll in. Here are just a couple.
Real-time footage: Watch a livestream from the streets of Ferguson captured by Bassem Masri here:
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