Missouri Governor Declares State of Emergency Pre-Protest
This month, a grand jury will make its decision regarding the shooting and murder of Michael Brown by a white police officer; an event that unfolded this past August. The jury is responsible for deciding whether or not Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson violated Brown's civil rights, and how he should be charged. Jay Nixon, Missouri Governor, declared a state of emergency on November 11th and called upon the National Guard to manage the protests that are sure to come.
Nixon stated that his "hope and expectation is that peace will prevail," and that by bringing in the National Guard, “the two pillars: safety and speech’’ will be protected." United States Representatives William Lacy Clay and Emanuel Cleaver oppose Nixon's decision to bring in the guard, saying in a joint statement that "violence begets violence. Hatred begets hatred. We, as local and national leaders, warn that violence and counter-violence is Lucifer’s most lethal luxuriant."
Nixon's decision to protect citizens and local businesses from potential danger may only add fuel to the fire. He emphasized that the troops will not be dealing with protestors unless major issues arise, but their presence will be felt regardless.
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