Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has brought in the National Guard and says there will be no curfew in Ferguson tonight.
After two nights of increased violence on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon has just announced he is lifting the midnight curfew tonight. Gov. Nixon overnight announced he would order the National Guard to patrol Ferguson starting tonight.
“Last night, Ferguson, Missouri experienced a very difficult and dangerous night as a result of a violent criminal element intent upon terrorizing the community,” the Governor claimed in a statement today. “As long as there are vandals and looters and threats to the people and property of Ferguson, we must take action to protect our citizens.”
Multiple reports stated that police instigated the violence and fired tear gas at peaceful demonstrators at least one hour before the curfew was to start last night.
“Following coordinated attacks last night both on civilians and law enforcement officers, I signed an executive order directing the Missouri National Guard to help restore peace and order in Ferguson,” the Governor’s statement continues. “The Guard’s immediate and limited responsibilities under the direction of Colonel Ron Replogle of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, are to provide protection, and ensure the safety of our Unified Command Center, which was the target last night of a coordinated attack. The Guard will concentrate its resources on carrying out this limited mission.”
Again, I join the people of Ferguson, and all Missourians, in strongly condemning the violent acts we saw last night, including the firing upon law enforcement officers, the shooting of a civilian, the throwing of Molotov cocktails, looting and a coordinated attempt to overrun the unified Command Center.
We are all frustrated and looking for justice to be achieved regarding the shooting death of Michael Brown. As the dual investigations continue into what happened nine days ago at Canfield Green, we must defend Ferguson from these violent interlopers so that the peaceful protests can operate in peace and the search for answers and justice can continue.
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This is too real. #Ferguson #MikeBrown pic.twitter.com/LfoFfAmRMT
— N@CT (@CoolTableTweets) August 18, 2014