Police gearing up for riots ahead of grand jury decision in Ferguson
Police in Ferguson are gearing up for riots that may ensue after a grand jury’s decision on whether to charge the white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black teen in August.
Officers are loading up on riot gear and taking refresher courses on constitutional rights in the event that Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson is not indicted for the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
The decision could be made public within the next month, according to AP. “I know there’s a lot of anxiety, there’s a lot of fear, anticipation” about the announcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson told AP, adding he has “a lot of hope” for a peaceful situation.
An independent autopsy revealed that Brown died after being shot six times, including twice in the head.
Witnesses say the officer fired after the teen put his hands up and pleaded with the officer not to shoot. The officer claims he fired after Brown charged toward him.
Read more at Washington Informer
The incident sparked national protests, some of them becoming violent. The grand jury has until January to determine if Wilson should be charged for Brown’s death. Check back for updates.
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