Chaos Ensues after Police Shooting of St. Louis Teen
The fatal shooting of an unarmed black man in suburban St. Louis resulted in widespread looting, vandalism, and chaos Sunday night and early Monday morning.
The tense situation erupted after a candlelight vigil for 18-year-old Michael Brown, who police say was shot multiple times Saturday after a scuffle involving a police officer.
Police cars raced to several scenes in Ferguson, Missouri, as angry mobs took to the streets, kicking in windows, looting stores, and smashing police cars. Across the city, there were even reports of shootings and assaults.
Police officers responded in riot gear.
"He was a good kid, and they did that to him for no reason," Brown's grandmother said.
Parts of the city of Ferguson turned to mayhem after Brown was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer.
The teenager was just days away from starting college. His mother cried out in agony, shouting, "Why? Why?!..."
Brown's stepfather accuses police of "executing his son." Police promise a thorough investigation; they believe there was a fight for the officer's gun.
"One of those individuals at the time came into as the officer was exiting his police car, allegedly pushed the police officer back into the car where he physically assaulted the police officer," St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets, shouting, "No justice!" and "No peace!" One protestor held a sign which reads, "By any means necessary, we need justice."
"The anger in the young men in this community and how they are treated by police -- I think it's boiled over," Alderman Antonio French, representing St. Louis' 21st Ward, said.
Brown's family, however, said they're disappointed by the violence and looting.
Ferguson Mayor James Knowles agreed, saying, "We're only hurting ourselves... there's nothing productive from this."