As all of you know, our region is expecting a verdict from St. Louis County’s prosecuting attorney.
We are not sure whether there will be an indictment of Officer Darren Wilson or not, but I am cautioning you to prepare your family for either result.
In the best case scenario, there will be an indictment. This would cool down the current anxiety felt throughout the community. In the case where there is not an indictment, multiple law enforcement agencies are prepared to address any unrest. Hopefully, their actions will be within the legal parameters of our beloved U.S. Constitution.
My hope is for you to stay updated and hear directly from me. For the last three months I’ve relied on the media to accurately report. In some cases, certain reports have only incited populations of people that are not only experiencing PTSD, but are daily being restricted from their constitutional rights.
It IS true, there are outsiders that are trying to stir things up. And that is why peaceful protestors have chosen to self-police the crowds. They have been very successful and, in fact, I participated in identifying outsiders that are recklessly inciting police and peaceful protestors.
I will tell you there are outsiders — extremists — from both ends of the spectrum. I urge you to be aware of your surroundings in the coming days. Please do not take my advice lightly. I prefer being cautious rather than telling you to live your life as though “business as usual” is okay.
If the circumstance calls for it, please look after your neighbors, including seniors and children. For those of you who are prepared to serve as first responders and spiritual leaders, keep your circles updated on your whereabouts.
Please consider making social media an option for your updates. Allow yourself to receive balanced news that real citizens are offering in their overall documentation of forthcoming events.
I have made available for you a few options to experience what will be happening at ground zero after the announcement is made on the indictment: the website www.EyesOnFerguson.com; @EyesOnFerguson on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook; email EyesOnFerguson@gmail.com; or text 314-722-6121.
Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a Democrat from University City, represents Missouri’s 14th District in the Missouri Senate and has been an active protestor and supporter in Ferguson.
