Missouri governor declares state of emergency in Ferguson ahead of Darren Wilson grand jury decision
Nov 17th 2014 3:05PM
By RYAN GORMAN
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has paved the way for the National Guard to return to Ferguson.
Nixon announced Monday via an executive order the declaration of a state of emergency in Ferguson and St. Louis County. The announcement was made as a grand jury deliberates over whether to indict a white police officer for shooting dead an unarmed black teen.
Unrest has grown as the grand jury weighs whether to charge Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson for the August 9 murder of Michael Brown, which the officer has insisted was in self-defense.
Officials have expressed concern that protests could again turn violent if a decision is not reached soon, regardless of which direction the grand jury decides to go.
Nixon's declaration calls for both the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to work in tandem to keep the peace in Ferguson.
County police, previously seen by protestors and the media as escalating the violence in Ferguson, have been put in charge of security for Ferguson.
More importantly, though, declaring a state of emergency allows Nixon to call in the National Guard at his discretion.
The state of emergency expires December 17, according to the executive order, but can be extended at any time.
The grand jury tasked with deciding whether to indict Wilson has been hearing testimony and viewing evidence for weeks. A decision is expected as soon as Monday.
By RYAN GORMAN
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has paved the way for the National Guard to return to Ferguson.
Nixon announced Monday via an executive order the declaration of a state of emergency in Ferguson and St. Louis County. The announcement was made as a grand jury deliberates over whether to indict a white police officer for shooting dead an unarmed black teen.
Unrest has grown as the grand jury weighs whether to charge Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson for the August 9 murder of Michael Brown, which the officer has insisted was in self-defense.
Officials have expressed concern that protests could again turn violent if a decision is not reached soon, regardless of which direction the grand jury decides to go.
Nixon's declaration calls for both the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to work in tandem to keep the peace in Ferguson.
County police, previously seen by protestors and the media as escalating the violence in Ferguson, have been put in charge of security for Ferguson.
More importantly, though, declaring a state of emergency allows Nixon to call in the National Guard at his discretion.
The state of emergency expires December 17, according to the executive order, but can be extended at any time.
The grand jury tasked with deciding whether to indict Wilson has been hearing testimony and viewing evidence for weeks. A decision is expected as soon as Monday.
