Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon pleaded for peaceful protests in Ferguson ahead of the grand jury’s announcement later this evening on whether Officer Darren Wilson will be indicted for the shooting death of unarmed black teen Michael Brown.
“Our shared hope and expatiation is that people on all sides show tolerance, mutual respect and restraint,” Mr. Nixon said.
Officer Wilson, who is white, shot and killed Brown in Ferguson on Aug. 9, igniting weeks of racially-charged and sometimes violent protests.
Prosecutors Monday morning announced that the St. Louis County grand jury — which has been meeting for over three months, reviewing evidence and listening to witness testimony — had reached their decision, with an official announcement revealing the findings Monday evening.
The governor said he met with police and community leaders ahead of the 9 p.m. (EST) announcement by St. Louis County prosecutors.
“Together we are all focused to make sure that the necessary resources are at hand to protect lives, to protect business and to protect free speech,” he said.
SEE ALSO: Ferguson grand jury reaches decision on Darren Wilson, announcement tonight
Local business owners are bracing for the announcement by locking up shop, while police have set up concreted barriers around government buildings in anticipating of possible violence that could erupt following the grand jury’s decision.
Mr. Nixon on Nov. 17 declared a state of emergency in Ferguson ahead of the grand jury decision, activating the National Guard in anticipation of “expanded unrest” following the findings.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, it is necessary to have these resources in place in advance of any announcement of the grand jury’s decision,” Mr. Nixon said in a press release last week.
The guard, Mr. Nixon said, will focus on securing state and local firehouses, police stations, and utility substations, to free up law enforcement to protect citizens exercising free speech rights.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay echoed Mr. Nixon’s call for peace, and vowed to protect those protesting peacefully.
“We will protect your right to peacefully assemble and speak your mind … But turning violent and damaging property will not be tolerated,” Mr. Slay said.
SEE ALSO: Ferguson braces for eruption in wake of grand jury decision
• Jennifer Pompi can be reached at jpompi@washingtontimes.com.
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