Officials in St Louis, Missouri issued a State of Emergency after a night of violence in Ferguson on Sunday night.
The demonstrations came during the one year anniversary of Michael Brown's death, the unarmed 18-year-old who was fatally shot by Ferguson cop Darren Wilson. The shooting shed light on the disproportionate number of African-Americans killed at the hands of police officers in the states, sparking the Black Lives Matter movement.
Activists raise a banner reading "Racism Still Lives Here" in front of the St. Louis Arch pic.twitter.com/fmiW7HblHM
— Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) August 10, 2015
Peaceful demonstrations continued on Monday afternoon with 57 people arrested by St Louis County police as they jumped the fence in front of the Thomas F. Eagleton US Courthouse in downtown St Louis.
Among those arrested were Black Lives Matter protesters DeRay McKeeson and Johnetta Elzie as well as author Dr Cornel West.
Legal observer from Nat Lawyers Guild being arrested in downtown STL pic.twitter.com/WGSlIxE40g
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 10, 2015
US Attorney's Office spokeswoman told the Huffington Post's Ryan Reilly that the arrested demonstrators would receive summons, court dates, a potential $125 trespassing fine and would be released from custody this afternoon.
Both @deray and @Nettaaaaaaaa have been arrested. #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/KX6LhimCiy
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) August 10, 2015
The arrests come after violence broke out on Sunday night in Ferguson which left several wounded and some business damaged. Tyrone Harris Jr, 18, is in a critical condition at a local hospital after police said they returned fire in a shootout. The teen is charged on 4 counts of 1st degree assault on a police officer.
As a result of Sunday's violence, St Louis County Executive Steve Stenger issued a State of Emergency and released the following statement on Monday afternoon:
“In light of last night’s violence and unrest in the City of Ferguson, and the potential for harm to persons and property, I am exercising my authority as county executive to issue a state of emergency, effective immediately.
The recent acts of violence will not be tolerated in a community that has worked so tirelessly over the last year to rebuild and become stronger. The time and investment in Ferguson and Dellwood will not be destroyed by a few that wish to violate the rights of others.
I commend the St Louis County Police Department, the Missouri Highway Patrol and other local agencies for their professional response as they work daily in the service of law, order and peace.
Pursuant to my executive order, St Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar shall immediately take over the operation of police emergency management in the City of Ferguson surrounding areas.
Chief Belmar shall exercise all powers and duties necessary to preserve order, prevent crimes, and protect the life and property of our citizens.”
Police officials reportedly stressed that the violence was not acted out by protesters.
For more on this story:
3 shot in Ferguson, one by police, two by drive-by shooter, on anniversary of Michael Brown's death
