Ferguson Riots: Michael Brown’s Father Pleads For Violence To End [Video]
Michael Brown’s father wants the rioting in Ferguson, Missouri, to end. Although he demands justice in his son’s shooting death, Michael Brown Sr. said violence and destruction are not the answer.
On August 9, 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by officer Darren Wilson. As Brown was unarmed, his family, friends, and the community, were outraged. However, the details of the shooting remain a point of heated controversy. Conflicting witness reports have only added to the confusion.
According to reports, Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson were walking down the street when they were approached by a Ferguson Police Department vehicle. The officer, Darren Wilson, reportedly stopped and asked the teens to use the sidewalk, as they were walking in the middle of the road.
Wilson claims the teens refused to comply. Although he attempted to leave his vehicle, Wilson was reportedly pushed back inside by Brown — who then attempted to grab his gun. According to Wilson, at least one shot was fired during the struggle.
As he was injured by the shot, Brown reportedly turned away — which allowed the officer to exit his vehicle. Wilson said he told Brown to stop and drop to the ground. However, the teen refused to comply and charged toward the officer. Wilson said he was forced to shoot and kill the teen in self-defense.
As reported by Yahoo! News, several witnesses claim Michael Brown was stopped with his hands in the air when he was killed. Although the specific details may never be known, a large portion of the community has taken a stand against the entire Ferguson Police Department. Although the worst of the Ferguson riots have subsided, the city is still experiencing unrest.
It is now up to a grand jury to decide whether Darren Wilson was acting in self-defense. As the decision looms, officials are concerned that the city of Ferguson will erupt with riots.
Although he thanked everyone for their support, Michael Brown Sr. has plead with the Ferguson community to refrain from rioting in his son’s name.
“Hurting others and destroying others is not the answer… No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone… Continue to lift your voices with us and let’s work together to heal — to create lasting change for all people regardless of race. We live here together; this is our home. We are strong here united.”
As reported by ABC News, officials hope the community will consider Brown’s plea. Although state and local agencies are working together to prevent further riots in Ferguson, the community remains concerned.
[Image via National Post]
