Police officer will face no charges in the unarmed teen Michael Brown's shooting, which sparked weeks of riots
The policeman whose killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teen in Ferguson, Missouri in August that sparked weeks of riots will not face charges, said the county prosecutor Bob McCulloch (below).
McCulloch told reporters the evidence presented to the grand jury had suggested the policeman Darren Wilson had shot as a legitimate act of self-defense during a tussle that broke out as he was responding to a robbery.
He said “an altercation” had broken out as Wilson was sitting in his patrol car and Brown was standing at the window.
“During the altercation, two shots were fired by Officer Wilson while still inside the vehicle,” McCulloch said.
“Mr Brown ran east... and Officer Wilson gave chase,” he said.
“Mr Brown stopped and turned back toward Officer Wilson.
“Officer Wilson also stopped. Michael Brown moved toward Officer Wilson. Several more shots were fired by the officer and Michael Brown was fatally wounded.”
Protesters have gathered in Ferguson
A crowd of several hundred protesters gathered in front of the police station in Ferguson where Officer Darren Wilson was based chanting: “Hey, hey, ho, ho! These killer cops have got to go.”
Brown’s devastated mother was hugged by supporters.
The family of Michael Brown expressed disappointment at the grand jury's decision but have requested for people to protest peacefully.
Reuters reported at 11.28am (Singapore time) that gunshots were heard and bottles were thrown as anger rippled through a crowd outside the Ferguson Police Department.
President Barack Obama urged calm Monday on live TV as violent protests broke out on the streets of Ferguson after the grand jury decision.
“I join Michael (Brown)’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully,” Obama told reporters.
“I also appeal to the law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur.”
Source: AFP, Reuters
Related links: Ferguson police chief apologises to parents of Mike Brown
Protesters on the streets after police shot another black teen in US city of St Louis
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