St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert P. McCulloch will announce tonight at 8:00 p.m. the grand jury’s decision whether or not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of unarmed teen Michael Brown Jr. Gov. Jay Nixon said during a press conference held earlier this evening at the University of Missouri – St. Louis that he hopes the community exercise tolerance, mutual respect, and restraint – regardless of the grand jury’s decision.
Nixon was joined by Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Dan Isom, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay. And together they continued their calls for peace.
“Together we are all focused on making sure the necessary resources are at hand to protect lives, protect property, and protect free speech,” Nixon said.
Nixon said law enforcement officials will continue to maintain open lines of communication with protest leaders to prevent violence as well as improve interactions between police and protestors. Nixon thanked Isom for facilitating ongoing discussions.
According to him, state and local law enforcement agencies are continuing to work hand in hand to ensure that the best and most experienced officers are on the streets. He added that the National Guard will provide security at critical facilities – like fire houses, police stations, and utility sub-stations. The National Guard will also offer logistical and transportation support as needed.
Nixon said he met with Ferguson residents and spoke with a number of faith leaders earlier today stating that residents are “understandably on edge” in anticipation of the grand jury’s decision.
“Several churches will be providing safe havens throughout the area to provide food, shelter, and medical care,” Nixon said. “Mental health providers have teamed up to help ease the emotional strain these events have caused. These health professionals are working right now to provide counseling and other services to people who need them.
Dooley said he does not know what the prosecuting attorney will say this evening. However, he said regardless of the decision the community will be emotional. He advised people to “think with their heads” and remain focused on long-term systemic changes. He said the immediate priority is to ensure public safety.
“I do not want people in this community to think they have to barricade their doors and take up arms,” he said. “I do not want people to shoot or harm someone out of fear.”
He said this is not the time to turn on each other – but rather to turn to each other. Slay said St. Louis is a city that endures during challenging times and that Brown’s death has deeply divided the region. Slay sent a special message to protestors.
“We will protect your right to peacefully assemble and speak your mind,” he said reiterating for the third time that violence and property damage will not be tolerated.
He was referring to the two acts of vandalism that occurred during last night’s protests in the Shaw neighborhood. Slay said the time has come for the region to heal and close the racial divide to make St. Louis a better place to live for all people.
“The world will be watching us,” he said. “They’re going to watch how we handle our disagreements in the coming days and how we make needed change in the coming months and years.”
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