Many people across the United States gathered on the roads to protest against the decision taken by a jury not to charge the white policeman Darren Wilson who shot dead 18-year-old Michael Brown on the ninth of August this year. Demonstrations were being carried out from Seattle to New York City. Most of these demonstration was peaceful, but riots broke out in some places including Ferguson, Missouri where the shooting took place. National Guard Troops numbering more than 2200 had to be deployed to stop any further unrest.
The situation was pretty grave in California, Oakland where the protest turned violent as rioters vandalized police vehicles and broke window panes of restaurants and convenience stores. Many people had to be arrested to control the situation as cars were being set on fire. In Los Angeles, the protestors blocked the 101 freeway causing a huge traffic jam.
People in Ferguson, which is a St. Louis neighborhood dominated by the African-American community were expecting the grand jury to indict Darren Wilson on charges of killing Brown, but there was widespread outrage when the decision went in favor of the officer. The lawyers of Brown’s family termed the decision as unfair, but also condemned the violent outburst following the decision.
In Manhattan, police commissioner William Bratton told news persons that they were willing to allow the demonstrators to protest as long as they remained non-violent. The situation continued to be grave into the second night as the issue seems to be escalating out of hand. President Barack Obama spoke out against the massive violent protests, urging the people to stay calm and that there was no excuse whatsoever for any destructive behavior even though he understood the frustration of many about the law not being enforced consistently or fairly.
Wilson who is on a paid leave, said that he has a clear conscience and that there was nothing he could have done differently. The issue, clearly has rattled the fabric of the largely peaceful American society.