Darren Wilson ‘Pants Up Don’t Loot’ Billboard Sparks Controversy
A Darren Wilson “#PantsUPDontLOOT” billboard paid for by supporters of the Ferguson police officer is garnering some backlash. The billboard references the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” chants often voiced by Michael Brown supporters. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, a $5,000 bounty has been placed on officer Wilson’s head by a group calling itself the “Black Rebels.” The pending Mike Brown verdict from the Darren Wilson grand jury could come at any day and the Black Rebels tweeted that they “have some questions” for the police officer.
Ferguson police officer supporters reportedly raised $3,000 to erect the Pants Up Don’t Loot billboard. The Darren Wilson campaign was initiated by a supporter in Tennessee in October. The Mike Brown shooting related billboard has not yet been officially purchased, but since the necessary amount has been raised to do so, plans to erect the sign appear to be going forward.
“Whatever funds we receive will go directly to keeping the billboard campaign up as long as possible,” according to the Pants Up Don’t Shoot website created by Darren Wilson supporters. More than 100 people reportedly donated funds for the Ferguson billboard. Most of the donors reportedly did so anonymously. Darren Wilson will be returning to the Ferguson police force if not indicted, according to statements made by Chief Tom Jackson.
Fortress America has identified Don Alexander as the Darren Wilson Pants Up Don’t Loot campaign founder. “If we come to an agreement with a company and can fund it for three months, five months, seven months, we will,” Alexander told Fortress America. In anticipation of the Michael Brown verdict, Ferguson gun sales have increased by 100 to 700 percent, depending upon the gun store and estimation source. Handgun and shotgun sales have skyrocketed not just in Ferguson, where Mike Brown was shot on August 9, but in nearby Clayton and other towns in St. Louis County.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers posting to the St. Louis Cop Talk forum urged Ferguson area residents to arm themselves. The alleged police officers also said that politicians have “neutered” them and rendered them “powerless” to protect citizens and businesses.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon activated the National Guard earlier this week. While a host of local leaders and Mike Brown’s mom are calling for peaceful protests and the exercise of First Amendment rights, concerns over civil unrest, violence, and the looting of businesses are gripping the Ferguson area.
Do you think the Michael Brown verdict will be a Darren Wilson indictment? If the Ferguson police officer is not indicted, will riots and looting begin once again?
[Images via: Daily Mail and Twitter]
