Protests marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown Jr.’s death led to injuries, property damage and several arrests, according to the Ferguson Police Department.
Protests marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown Jr.’s death began peacefully and escalated as the night wore on, leading to injuries, property damage and several arrests, according to the Ferguson Police Department.
“We had protesters lined up across the street here, and for the majority of the night, they were peaceful”, Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle said at a news conference on Saturday afternoon to address a violent confrontation that occurred Friday night between police and protesters.
“We even began blocking our streets, allowing the protesters to demonstrate without interference. But as the night went on, protesters started violently shaking the fence at our police station. We did not react until they broke the fence and destroyed property.”
According to a statement from a police spokesperson, officers were present to ensure a safe space for protesters but faced increasing agitation, culminating in the events that unfolded.
Doyle detailed the escalation, which led to a severe brain injury of a police officer.
