Ferguson Riots: Anonymous Vows Action In Michael Brown’s Death

The Ferguson riots have apparently ended. Unfortunately, unrest is still being felt throughout the Missouri community. On August 9, 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson Police officer. The community is outraged, as Brown was reportedly unarmed.

As reported by Chicago Tribune, Michael was shot a total of eight times. In an official statement, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar outlined the events leading up to the shooting.

According to reports, Michael and his friends were walking down the street when they were approached by a police vehicle. When the officer attempted to get out of his car, Michael reportedly pushed him back inside. Chief Belmar said Michael then entered the officer’s vehicle and began to “struggle over the officer’s weapon.”

Belmar confirmed one shot was fired inside the vehicle. However, the fatal shots were fired after Michael attempted to flee the scene.

Dorin Johnson, who was walking with Michael, told a different story. According to Johnson, the officer “reached his arm out the window” and “grabbed [Michael] around the neck.” He then exited the vehicle, chased the teen down the street, and gunned him down.

Piaget Crenshaw also witnessed the incident:

“He ran for his life. They shot him and he fell. He put his arms up to let them know that he was compliant and he was unarmed and they shot him twice more and he fell to the ground and died.”

Activists with the infamous Anonymous group responded to the incident with a warning. The audio message, which was released via YouTube, specifically called on the Ferguson Police Department and the St. Louis County Sheriff Department to halt any and all use of excessive force.

Additionally, Anonymous has asked the Ferguson community to continue protesting Michael Brown’s death:

“… take your streets. You are not alone, we will support you in every way possible. Occupy every square inch of your city. Open your homes and help in any way you can the protester… Feed each other, keep each other safe — and stay in the streets until we are totally victorious in all our demands.”

As reported by Washington Post, the protests began with hours of Saturday’s shooting. As the news spread throughout the community, and the nation, the Ferguson riots turned violent.

By Sunday evening, the entire city was engulfed in chaos. Local news agencies reported vandalism, looting, and fires. A majority of the aggression was aimed toward law enforcement officials.

St. Louis County Police spokesman Brian Schellman confirmed 32 people were arrested amid the Ferguson riots. The charges include assault, burglary, and larceny. Although there were no serious injuries reported, the protesters destroyed several commercial buildings and “at least 20 police vehicles.”

The Ferguson riots have reportedly ceased. However, the unrest is far from over. Michael Brown was preparing to begin college in the coming weeks. Instead, his family is now preparing for his funeral.