Michael Brown's Death Sparks Looting, Riots
The shooting death of unarmed black teen Michael Brown at the hands of a Ferguson, Mo., police officer has incited looting in the small city.
Looting Follow Michael Brown's Death
Brown’s death on Saturday has sparked outrage in the Missouri community. Initially, the anger was channeled into vigils and protests that sought answers in the teenager’s fatal shooting. By Sunday evening, the peaceful action turned violent, with multiple businesses suffering extreme damage, reported the St. Louis Dispatch.
Among the numerous businesses that were looted Sunday include AutoZone, Family Dollar, Footlocker, Dress for Less, Shoe Carnival and Quik Trip, which was the worst damaged of the bunch after a fire broke out.
Earlier in the day on Sunday, Police chief Jon Belmar said in a press conference that Brown had been shot following a physical confrontation with a police officer in which the teen attempted to get ahold of the officer’s gun. Elected officials, advocacy groups and the people of Ferguson are demanding a full investigation, as they’re wary of the initial reports by police.
Louis Head, Brown’s stepfather, was among those questioning police, reported The New York Times. He held up a sign for Brown, who was to begin taking college classes next week, that read, “Ferguson police just executed my son.”
Despite their distress regarding the death of their loved one and the frustration directed at law enforcement, Brown’s family has spoken out against the looting and violence that’s been carried out in his name.
“I just want everyone to know and understand that the stealing and breaking in stores is not what Mike will want, it is very upsetting to me and my family. Our family didn’t ask for this but for Justice and Peace,” a statement from a family member reads, according to Fox 2 Now. “Please let my family grieve in Peace in stop the violence in the street tonight, we don’t want this happing when we protest for justice for my cousin Mike Brown, please get this message out to the people that the Mike Brown family do not want this.”
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