Missouri Governor Sending National Guard After More Ferguson Violence

The cops pulled back and what happened? Violence and looting and other lawlessness Saturday, followed by more Sunday night

(USA Today) Missouri Governor Jay Nixon early Monday ordered the National Guard into Ferguson hours after police said escalating violence led to shootings, arrests and “pre-planned” acts of aggression by protesters.

Nixon made the announcement following another night of clashes between police and protesters in the suburb of St. Louis.

Sunday night and early Monday morning, protesters shot at police, threw Molotov cocktails at officers, looted local businesses and carried out a “coordinated attempt” to block roads and overrun the police’s command center. The National Guard will “help restore peace and order and to protect the citizens of Ferguson,” the governor’s office said.

So now they’re sending in the military to replace the militarized police to deal with escalating violence

“Tonight, a day of hope, prayers, and peaceful protests was marred by the violent criminal acts of an organized and growing number of individuals, many from outside the community and state, whose actions are putting the residents and businesses of Ferguson at risk,” a statement from Nixon’s office said. “These violent acts are a disservice to the family of Michael Brown and his memory, and to the people of this community who yearn for justice to be served, and to feel safe in their own homes.”

Sadly, lots of people who were out in the streets protesting peaceably were caught in the middle of law enforcement and the criminal elements.

Three school districts have canceled school for Monday. Many are blaming the violence on outsiders. How many? Unknown. Some people come to join the peaceful protests. Some, not so much. It doesn’t help when outside personalities come to Ferguson, and throw gas on the fire, even while saying “stay peaceful” (and pretty much say “hey, look at me, I’m Important”). Nor do insiders help when they throw matches, such as Alderman Antonio French, who “said the police presence in Ferguson was “almost enough to start a riot” due to the lack of trust between authorities and residents in Ferguson.”

Crossed at Pirate’s Cove. Follow me on Twitter @WilliamTeach.

Share this!

Enjoy reading? Share it with your friends!