As Ferguson awaits a grand jury’s decision into this summer’s fatal police shooting incident of an unarmed teenage black boy, US president Barack Obama has asked the residents to maintain law and order and keep the protests peaceful.
A grand jury is slated to pronounce its verdict on the indictment of police officer Darren Wilson who had fatally shot at 18-year-old Michael Brown on August 9 this year. The fatal shooting incident sparked days of protests, including violent ones, in the St. Louis suburb.
While talking about the Ferguson incident during a television interview, Obama said everyone holds the right to express their views but a peaceful way of protest is the best way to convey your message.
The president further said that “use of any event as an excuse for violence is not in accordance with the rule of law”.
Meanwhile, the school administrations and police authorities in this community have made all possible security arrangements to tackle with any form of unrest that might trigger after the jury announces its decision.
While some school administrations have decided to close next week to ascertain their students’ safety, the police officials in collaboration with the protest organizers have tightened the security arrangements and other safety measures.
Slay, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and state Public Safety Director Daniel Isom on Friday said that state’s any response would primarily focus on the safety and security of the protesters, residents and local businesses.
“I expect the best out of people. Our community is counting on all of us and activists to have level heads and focus on the long term, systemic change that must take place,” Dooley said.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon had declared a state of emergency earlier this week and activated the National Guard of state prior to the court’s decision.
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