Ferguson,
Missouri: A Troubled City
In August, 2014, a young man in the town of Ferguson, in the
United States, was shot and killed.
The young man was named Michael Brown, he was 18 years old,
and African American. The shooter was a police officer, his name was Darren
Wilson.
Earlier that night Brown was suspected of stealing
cigarettes from a convenience store. The police were out looking for him. Brown
was spotted walking on the street by Officer Wilson. Wilson approached Brown's
car, and there was a struggle. Wilson fired his gun, killing Brown. The entire
encounter between Brown and Wilson was less than 90 seconds.
Many witnesses saw the event, and have given conflicting
stories. Some say that Brown was trying to get away, with others saying that
Brown was reaching for something in his pocket.
After he was killed, it was found that Michael Brown was not
carrying a weapon.
Many people held a peaceful candlelight protest to oppose
what happened to Brown, but the protests became reckless and out of control.
There was a lot of anger. Over many nights, there were protests and riots in
Ferguson after the shooting. Many shop windows were smashed, storefronts
destroyed. Police had to use tear gas to separate the crowd and over 200 people
were arrested.
There was a lot of media coverage in the United States.
People have been talking about how Brown being killed relates to racism in the
United States. They have pointed out that most of the police in Ferguson are
white, while most of the people who live in Ferguson are African-American. The FBI opened an investigation into the
shooting and President Obama made a speech saying:
I know the events of the
past few days have prompted strong passions, but as details unfold, I urge
everyone in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country, to remember this young
man through reflection and understanding. We should comfort each other
and talk with one another in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.
A Grand Jury was called on to decide if Wilson should be
charged with a crime. They would review all the evidence, listen to all the
witnesses and make a decision. Possible charges could be first-degree murder,
second-degree murder, or a lesser charge. Many police were called into the
streets of Ferguson before the decision was made, in order to be ready in case
there would be any violence.
On November 24, 2014, the Grand Jury reached a decision and
stated that Officer Wilson would not be charged.
Once again, on the night of November 24, there was great
anger in Ferguson. There were riots , violence, and police once again had to
use tear gas.
