Missouri’s African-American state Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson was named to look after security in Ferguson in wake of the backlash against the local police department after the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown on August 9th. Captain Johnson said in a press conference on Thursday that he will emphasize respect for the entire community as he takes over operations.
“What’s gone on here over the last few days is not what Missouri is about, it is not what Ferguson is about. This is a place where people work, go to school, raise their families and go to church, a diverse community, a Missouri community,” stated Governor Jay Nixon said at the press conference.
The actions of police officers in Ferguson have recalled memories of the Civil Rights movements in the 1960s for many older Americans. Disturbing photos showing police officers sitting in driving tanks, using tear gas, stun guns and arresting protesters, journalists and supporters on the streets of Ferguson and first hand accounts from witnesses have flooded Twitter and Facebook. The Federal Aviation Administration instituted a six day no-fly zone over Ferguson after a civil helicopter was shot at during a riot on Sunday. In the words of Governor Nixon, Ferguson “has looked a little bit more like a war zone.”
Photo: AP
One memorable image shows an African-American man with dreadlocks hurling a can of tear gas back at law enforcement while wearing a tank top emblazoned with the American flag.
The hashtag #Ferguson and #JusticeForMikeBrown trended in the aftermath of the news, offering a place of public grief, outrage, and served as a virtual meeting post for supporters outside of Ferguson to rally together against police brutality. Vigils and demonstrations were held across the nation in cities including New York’s five boroughs, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Orleans on Thursday.
Michael Brown’s family requested a second autopsy to be overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice. Plans for the funeral are on hold until a second autopsy can be performed, the family’s attorney, Ben Crump says. The family hopes that a second autopsy will provide a fair look into the cause of death. If the request is granted, the funeral will take place by the end of August.
President Obama has called on both sides to take a step back to remember how this all started and focus on healing.
“…when something like this happens, the local authorities, including the police, have a responsibility to be open and transparent about how they are investigating that death and how they’re protecting the people in their communities,” Obama said. “There is never an excuse for violence against police or for those who would use this tragedy as a cover for vandalism or looting. There’s also no excuse for police to use excessive force against peaceful protests or to throw protesters in jail for lawfully exercising their First Amendment right.”