Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency in Ferguson and the St. Louis region as the area awaits the results of a grand jury investigation into the death of Michael Brown.
“My hope and expectation is that peace will prevail,” Nixon said. “But we have a responsibility — I have a responsibility — to plan for any contingencies that might arise.”
Nixon's executive order activates the National Guard in Ferguson and calls on law enforcement agencies to act as one unified force in the event of further protests.
“Regardless of the outcomes of the federal and state criminal investigations, there is the possibility of expanded unrest,” Nixon said in the executive order. “The State of Missouri will be prepared to appropriately respond to any reaction to these announcements.”
Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old black man, was shot by a white police officer, Darren Wilson, on Aug. 9.
According to reports, Wilson saw Brown and a friend walking in the middle of the street and told them to stop. They did not heed the command, and a confrontation ensued that ended with the officer fatally shooting the teen multiple times. Some witnesses have said that Brown had his arms raised when some of the shots were fired.
There is no specific date for when the grand jury, which has been hearing evidence in the state investigation since August, will issue its decision. But officials have said that it will happen before the end of the month — and Nixon’s move suggests that an announcement is imminent. The U.S. Justice Department is conducting a separate investigation.
The FBI warned in an intelligence memo that the panel’s decision “will likely be exploited by some individuals to justify threats and attacks against law enforcement and critical infrastructure.”
The FBI bulletin added that “those infiltrating and exploiting otherwise legitimate public demonstrations with the intent to incite and engage in violence could be armed with bladed weapons or firearms.”
It even said that those with an intent to riot could be “equipped with tactical gear/gas masks, or bulletproof vests to mitigate law enforcement measures.”
Protests began almost immediately after Brown's shooting and made headlines worldwide for the violence perpetrated by both police and demonstrators. Some demonstrators threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at police, who used tear gas and rubber bullets against protestors. Demonstrations have continued into their 101st day.
Nixon’s order gives the St. Louis County Police Department command over protest security and directs the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to operate as a “Unified Command to protect civil rights and ensure public safety.”
National Guard units will not be at the front lines of protests, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said at a press conference following the governor's announcement.
“We do not want people to feel like they have to panic or be afraid,” Slay said.
Troops will be based at government buildings and around shopping centers to back up local law enforcement.
"We are not going to tolerate lawlessness," Slay said. "We are not going to tolerate violence."
Missouri government is "committed to protecting" the rights of people to peacefully assemble, protest and speak out but wants to ensure public safety, Nixon said in his order.
The adjutant general of Missouri, the military chief administrative officer, will "call and order into active service such portions of the organized militia as he deems necessary to protect life and property" under the executive order.
The state of emergency will expire in 30 days but can be extended by another order.
Nixon previously issued a state of emergency and called in the National Guard to help with protests Aug. 16. He ordered the troops to withdraw four days later and lifted the state of emergency in early September.
With News Wire Services
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