Ferguson Protest Update: Tensions Resume In Missouri Town After Renewed Struggles & Shootings [VIDEO]
Tensions in Ferguson, Missouri have once again reached new levels following the shooting of two police officers this week.
The two officers were shot outside of the Ferguson police department shortly after a protest began winding down in the early morning hours on Thursday, March 12. The Injured officers suffered gunshot wounds to the face and shoulders, but were eventually released from the hospital. The attack is the most recent incident in a city that has been plagued with hostility and become the focus of national attention following the shooting death of black teenager Michael Brown in August by white police officer Darren Wilson.
Yesterday's shooting was the first violent outburst toward police in the city after initial protests last fall, when a grand jury decided not to indict Wilson for shooting Brown multiple times and eventually killing him. Public outcry was revived following a report released by the Justice Department on Wednesday, which found no evidence to prosecute Wilson of violating Brown's civil rights but heavily criticized the city of Ferguson and the police department for "a pattern of unconstitutional policing," which "reflect and exacerbate existing racial bias, including racial stereotypes."
Following the Justice Department's report, several key players and city officials have vacated their positions. Ferguson Municipal Court judge Ronald J. Brockmeyer, who presided over the case, resigned from his post on March 9, followed by city manager John Shaw on March 10. Police Chief Thomas Jackson also announced his decision to resign on Wednesday, March 11.
The tensions in the city have rippled throughout the country, especially after NYPD police officer Daniel Pantaleo was also not indicted following the chokehold death of Eric Garner. Tensions there reached a boiling point after two Brooklyn cops, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, were shot execution style in December by Ismaaiyl Brinsley, reportedly in retribution for the deaths of both Garner and Brown.
As for the recent shootings in Ferguson, Brown's family did release a statement shortly after the news broke, calling the continued violence "senseless" and saying their prayers were with the officers' families.
"We reject any kind of violence directed toward members of law enforcement. It cannot and will not be tolerated," they said. "We specifically denounce the actions of stand-alone agitators who unsuccessfully attempt to derail the otherwise peaceful and non-violent movement that has emerged throughout this nation to confront police brutality and to forward the cause of equality under the law for all."
No arrests for the shooting of the two Ferguson officers have been made thus far.