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12/22/2024 06:20:02 pm

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Ferguson Under State of Emergency as Violence Mars Mike Brown's Shooting Anniversary

Mike Brown Death Anniversary

(Photo : Getty Images/Scott Olson) Demonstrators in various parts of Ferguson have been arrested for causing traffic or rallying in front of government buildings during protests to mark the death of Mike Brown.

The Missouri city of Ferguson has been placed under a state of emergency on Monday as street violence erupted once again between the police and protesters. Local authorities claim an African-American teenager shot on Sunday night was firing his gun on several undercover police officers, forcing them to return fire.

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The executive of Saint Louis County, Steve Stenger, has authorized county police head Jon Belmar to handle the volatile situation in Ferguson. Police reinforcements have arrived in the city to help enforce peace and order.

The anniversary of Brown's murder by a policeman has triggered another wave of violence. Several shots have been fired and reports of damages to property has put city residents on the edge.

Police have identified an African-American teenager shot by undercover operatives on Sunday as Tyrone Harris Jr., an 18-year-old male. Harris Jr. is part of an armed group that exchanged gunfire with another similarly armed group during the weekend night rally to commemorate the killing of Brown a year ago. The young Harris was badly hurt when policemen arrested him.

The city prosecutor has filed several charges against Harris Jr. including assault against the police.

Stenger said the police force has been mandated to do its utmost to keep violence out of the beleaguered city.

Brown's first death anniversary was marked by protesters with civil disobedience. Many have denounced the large number of African-Americans confined in a prison house run by private contractors. Demonstrators in various parts of the city have been arrested for causing traffic or rallying in front of government buildings.

A number of the demonstrators retaliated by physically confronting the arresting officers or hurling solid objects at them.

Some of the marchers are doubting the official story regarding Harris' arrest. The police claim that a stolen handgun was confiscated from him at the time of his arrest.

The local police and some of the rally officials now believe that most of those who caused the recent violence are teenagers or young adults who were more intent on creating trouble than remembering Brown.

Organization for Black Struggle spokesperson Montague Simmons said more people will be brought to try to maintain order among the demonstrators.

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