ADVERTISEMENTTensions are running high in Ferguson, Missouri between police and protesters with a decision imminent on whether to indict a white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black teenager in August.
The FBI have arrested two men suspected of buying explosives to detonate during protests in Ferguson Missouri once the grand jury releases its final verdict in the Michael Brown case.
Protesters back at site of Michael Brown's death. Many have dispersed, about 10 remain. #Fergusonpic.twitter.com/KqN5d8s4d2
— News2Share (@news_2_share) November 22, 2014
Two more arrests were made overnight prompting a plea for calm from President Barack Obama.
“Well I think first and foremost, keep protests peaceful. You know, this is a country that allows everybody to express their views, allows them to peacefully assemble to protest actions that they are think are unjust, but using any event for the use of violence is contrary to the rule of law and contrary to who we are.”
This Ferguson activist, who I'm told has become known here as "The Peace Sign Girl," does what earned her nickname. pic.twitter.com/Vl2WXSJmbT
— Micah Grimes (@MicahGrimes) November 22, 2014
Obama’s plea was echoed by the father of Michael Brown. In a video posted online he said, “hurting others or destroying property is not the answer”.
Weeks of sometimes violent protests followed the shooting, calling for the arrest of the police officer involved, Darren Wilson.
The case focused attention on strained US race relations. Many in the African American community are calling for Wilson to be charged with murder.
During a face-off between police and protesters overnight, one of the demonstrators could be heard saying:
“You and your officers are doing the wrong thing. You’re protecting somebody for no reason.”
Calm urged ahead of grand jury decision expected to trigger protests in US town of Ferguson http://t.co/cYyU2TavwCpic.twitter.com/PYazKpiToG
— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) November 22, 2014
Though it’s not clear when the verdict will be announced, the US attorney general has declared a state of emergency, calling in extra troops should charges not be filed against the officer. According to anonymous sources quoted by CNN, Wilson is in considering resigning from the force.
Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson is in talks to resign from the force, says report — http://t.co/3Wz8nq69Kwpic.twitter.com/OIe0IKbL94
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) November 21, 2014
He is currently on administrative leave and could return to the force if charges aren’t filed.