History often repeats itself.
Rising tensions following the shooting of Michael Brown reached it’s peak Sunday night as a vigil in honor of the slain teen errupted in violence and looting, ironically a day shy of the anniversary of the 1965 Watts riots.
Michael Brown was shot and killed on Saturday by a police officer following an alleged confrontation. Witnesses state Brown indicated his compliance by raising his arms above his head while Ferguson police contend the teen attacked a police officer before he was killed. Brown was unarmed. Since his death, an outpouring of support has ensued via social media with hashtags stating #ifIwasgunneddown #justiceformikebrown.
Sunday afternoon Ferguson resident’s gahthered with clergy and community leaders to host a vigil in honor of the teen. The peaceful protest took a violent turn when participants started looting and rioting in the streets. Several local businesses were looted and burned down. Approximately 150 police officers in riot gear were dispatched to control the crowd. Rioters shouted at police officers and knelt before them raising their hands up sybomlizing the stance witnesses say Brown made before he was fatally killed. By the end of the night 32 people were arrested.
Mayor of Ferguson James Knowles spoke to CNN this morning and denounced the violence that took place the night before. “Obviously, the events of last night are not indicative of who we are,” ” Mayor Knowles stated, ” [Sunday night] was not constructive”
State reperesentative Courtney A. Curtis also spoke out against the violence stating “The family said they are seeking justice and peace and they have made clear that violence and looting are not what they wanted to see. They feel they are not signs of justice or peace. “
The FBI has officially opened an investigation into the shooting and are joining the U.S. Deparment of Justice in working with St. Louis authorities to investigate the details of Saturday night. The officer who shot Brown, whose name hasn’t been released to the public yet, is on paid leave.
– Alexandria Tribble @Y_iOuwta
