Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon implemented a curfew and declared a state of emergency in Ferguson because of the rioting and looting that have followed the shooting death of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown at the hands of a police officer there. The curfew will begin at midnight and be lifted at 5 a.m., said Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson, who was put in charge of security in the community embroiled in anger and mistrust of authorities.
"In the morning this community will rise with the sun to renew its quest for justice," Nixon said during a rowdy afternoon news conference. The governor was often interrupted by calls for answers to questions about the investigation into Brown's death, and how police might carry out the strict curfew. "We won't enforce it with trucks, we wont enforce it with tear gas. We will communicate, ‘It's time to go home,'" Johnson said.
"This is not to silence the people of Ferguson, of this region or others, but to contain those who are drowning out the voice of the people with their actions," Nixon said. Brown was shot to death last Saturday afternoon.
IN-DEPTH
- Michael Brown Shooting: Ferguson Cleans Up After Another Night of Unrest
- Michael Brown Killing: Police in Ferguson Fire Tear Gas Amid Looting
- Anger Reignited: Clashes Resume in Ferguson
— Elisha Fieldstadt