Ferguson, Missouri police officials said Tuesday that they came under heavy gunfire on Monday night. Police arrested 31 people during the racial unrest. It’s a clear indication that the National Guard troops have failed to quell the unrest. The Missouri National Guard troops arrived Ferguson on Monday in an attempt to quell the protests that have upended the St. Louis suburb since Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot to death by Darren Wilson, a white police officer on August 9.
Four police officers injured in Monday night’s gunfire in Ferguson
State Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson told Reuters that many of his officers came under heavy gunfire in one area. Despite coming under heavy attack, the officers didn’t fire a single bullet, said Johnson. Four officers were injured in the firing. Riot police had confiscated a petrol bomb and two guns from protesters. Ron Johnson told CNN that two people were shot in the crowd, but not by the police. They were taken to the hospital.
Johnson, a local African-American, took over security efforts after the white local officials were accused of using excessive force against African-Americans. An overnight curfew was imposed to stop burning and looting that have become part of the protests. Federal investigation into the shooting continues. President Obama and other leaders have appealed for calm.
Monday night’s clashes between protesters and riot police followed hours of peaceful demonstrations. Police said a smaller group within the larger crowd of protesters hurled the petrol bomb, rocks and bottles and officials. In response, police fired a noise cannon and gas-filled canisters to disperse the throng. Other parts of the United States such as New York, Oakland, Seattle and St. Louis have also seen largely peaceful protests over Michael Brown’s killing.
Ferguson officer Darren Wilson garnering support online
Darren Wilson, the policeman who shot Michael Brown, is on a paid leave. Autopsy reports revealed that the black teenager was shot at least six times, including twice in the head. Meanwhile, many people have come forward to support Darren Wilson online. His supporters have created multiple Facebook pages including I support Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson and Darren Wilson- Government Official.
What’s more, a support page for the Ferguson police officer Wilson on GoFundMe has brought in $19,251 in just one day. The GoFundMe page’s creator said they “stand behind Darren Wilson and his family during this trying time.” The funds raised will be sent directly to Darren Wilson to fulfill their financial needs, including legal fees.
“We will be back” – employee of destroyed Red’s BBQ sprays on Building:
