Closer to home• Some local leaders not surprised by Ferguson jury decision• Cook: Reparations for Ed Johnson• Hands up. Don’t shoot: Lessons of Ferguson
Updated Tuesday at 2:57 a.m. to add details.
In this undated photo provided by the Brown family is Michael Brown, the black 18-year-old who was fatally shot by a white police officer in August – a death that stirred weeks of violent unrest in Ferguson, Mo.
Police officers stand outside the Buzz Westfall Justice Center where a grand jury is convening to consider possible charges against the police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, in Clayton, Mo.
Protesters gather in front of the Ferguson Police Department before the announcement of the grand jury decision about whether to indict a Ferguson police officer in the shooting death of Michael Brown on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, in Ferguson, Mo.CLAYTON, Mo. — A grand jury declined Monday to indict white police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed, black 18-year-old whose fatal shooting sparked weeks of sometimes-violent protests and inflamed deep racial tensions between many African-Americans and police.
Moments after the announcement by St. Louis County’s top prosecutor, crowds began pouring into Ferguson streets to protest the decision. Some taunted police, broke windows and vandalized cars. Within a few hours, several large buildings were ablaze, and frequent gunfire was heard. Officers used tear gas to try to disperse some of the gatherings.
Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch said the jury of nine whites and three blacks met on 25 separate days over three months, hearing more than 70 hours of testimony from about 60 witnesses, including three medical examiners and experts on blood, toxicology and firearms.