Obama Says Some Ferguson Protesters Stirring Chaos
In a speech Monday, President Obama called on protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, to remain peaceful and said nonpeaceful protesting "stirs chaos."
"We have all seen images of protesters and law enforcement in the streets. The vast majority are peacefully protesting," he said. "But a small minority of individuals are not. It undermines rather than advances justice."
"Our constitutional rights ... must be vigilantly safeguarded," Obama said. At the same time, the president said "there is no excuse for excessive force by police. Ours is a nation of laws."
Obama's speech comes just hours after Dr. Michael Baden, the doctor who performed the autopsy on Michael Brown, the teenager who was shot Aug. 9 in Ferguson could have survived all of his wounds except for the shot that struck the top of his head. According to information released by officials Sunday, Brown was shot at least six times.
Following the Aug. 9 shooting, riots erupted in the streets of Ferguson. Residents clashed with the local police, as well as other law enforcement groups that stepped in. The St. Louis County police took control of the situation following the local police's involvement before the State Highway Patrol stepped in. The clashes, which included the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by the police, escalated over the weekend. As a result, the National Guard was called in and started patrolling the streets Monday afternoon.
Nixon had implemented a curfew in Ferguson over the weekend, but lifted it Monday afternoon after the violence continued.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.