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Ferguson: clashes and arrests during state of emergency – as it happened Ferguson: clashes and arrests during state of emergency – as it happened
(7 months later)
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Closing summaryClosing summary
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
I’m winding down this live blog now. Here are the key developments from the last few hours:I’m winding down this live blog now. Here are the key developments from the last few hours:
Police statement: "During the protest events, there were no shootings, shots fired, burglaries, lootings, or property damages."Police statement: "During the protest events, there were no shootings, shots fired, burglaries, lootings, or property damages."
They’re not going to take the street tonight. That’s not going to happen.They’re not going to take the street tonight. That’s not going to happen.
Thanks for reading and for your comments. You can read our latest dispatch from Ferguson here:Thanks for reading and for your comments. You can read our latest dispatch from Ferguson here:
Related: Ferguson: more arrests as police and protesters clash for second night
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.50am BSTat 8.50am BST
8.17am BST8.17am BST
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It looks as if the protests are now drawing to a close – it’s after 2am in Ferguson now.It looks as if the protests are now drawing to a close – it’s after 2am in Ferguson now.
My colleagues Jon Swaine and Oliver Laughland have filed this dispatch from Ferguson:My colleagues Jon Swaine and Oliver Laughland have filed this dispatch from Ferguson:
Police clashed with hundreds of demonstrators in Ferguson, Missouri, for a second night on Monday after a day of intense protests in which more than 120 people were arrested.Police clashed with hundreds of demonstrators in Ferguson, Missouri, for a second night on Monday after a day of intense protests in which more than 120 people were arrested.
But further gun violence appeared to have been avoided following the ordering of a state of emergency by county authorities and the announcement of criminal charges against a black 18-year-old who was shot by police after allegedly opening fire on their vehicle during chaotic scenes late on Sunday.But further gun violence appeared to have been avoided following the ordering of a state of emergency by county authorities and the announcement of criminal charges against a black 18-year-old who was shot by police after allegedly opening fire on their vehicle during chaotic scenes late on Sunday.
Officers in riot gear from St Louis county police and the Missouri highway patrol snatched several demonstrators from the crowds and made more than a dozen arrests through a hot August evening on Monday. Projectiles such as stones and plastic bottles filled with ice were repeatedly thrown at police lines during a standoff on a main street.Officers in riot gear from St Louis county police and the Missouri highway patrol snatched several demonstrators from the crowds and made more than a dozen arrests through a hot August evening on Monday. Projectiles such as stones and plastic bottles filled with ice were repeatedly thrown at police lines during a standoff on a main street.
“Safety, our top priority, is now compromised,” a St Louis county police spokesman said on Twitter soon after 10pm. “This is no longer a peaceful protest. Participants are now unlawfully assembled.”“Safety, our top priority, is now compromised,” a St Louis county police spokesman said on Twitter soon after 10pm. “This is no longer a peaceful protest. Participants are now unlawfully assembled.”
(1/2) Safety, our top priority, is now compromised. This is no longer a peaceful protest. Participants are now unlawfully assembled.(1/2) Safety, our top priority, is now compromised. This is no longer a peaceful protest. Participants are now unlawfully assembled.
At least three men were pinned down and arrested in one abrupt mass swoop on the front of a row of shops by police, which took a large group of protesters by surprise. “They had weapons on them,” one county police officer said to the Guardian about the men arrested, declining to elaborate.At least three men were pinned down and arrested in one abrupt mass swoop on the front of a row of shops by police, which took a large group of protesters by surprise. “They had weapons on them,” one county police officer said to the Guardian about the men arrested, declining to elaborate.
In other confrontations, officers liberally sprayed pepper spray or mace in the eyes of protesters while driving them from the road on to the pavement. But by 2am, as the final protesters dispersed, no teargas or smoke canisters had been used as on several previous nights.In other confrontations, officers liberally sprayed pepper spray or mace in the eyes of protesters while driving them from the road on to the pavement. But by 2am, as the final protesters dispersed, no teargas or smoke canisters had been used as on several previous nights.
Demonstrators had gathered through the evening on West Florissant Avenue, the site of repeated protests following the fatal shooting last August by a white police officer of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old. Brown’s death and several others have led to months of unrest around the US and brought a debate over race and policing to the forefront of American public life.Demonstrators had gathered through the evening on West Florissant Avenue, the site of repeated protests following the fatal shooting last August by a white police officer of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old. Brown’s death and several others have led to months of unrest around the US and brought a debate over race and policing to the forefront of American public life.
Hundreds of people had descended on Ferguson, a suburb of St Louis, for the first anniversary of Brown’s death on Sunday. Commemoration events over the weekend were followed by a so-called “Moral Monday” comprising acts of peaceful civil disobedience.Hundreds of people had descended on Ferguson, a suburb of St Louis, for the first anniversary of Brown’s death on Sunday. Commemoration events over the weekend were followed by a so-called “Moral Monday” comprising acts of peaceful civil disobedience.
The state of emergency order was announced by St Louis county executive Steve Stenger, who said in a statement he was acting “in light of last night’s violence and unrest in the city of Ferguson, and the potential for harm to persons and property”.The state of emergency order was announced by St Louis county executive Steve Stenger, who said in a statement he was acting “in light of last night’s violence and unrest in the city of Ferguson, and the potential for harm to persons and property”.
A tense standoff continued throughout the night on Monday with protesters grouped on one side of the street and police wearing riot helmets and holding shields on the other.A tense standoff continued throughout the night on Monday with protesters grouped on one side of the street and police wearing riot helmets and holding shields on the other.
Police lines were sporadically pelted with bottles and rocks. At one point, as officers broke their lines and chased down a protester who appeared to have thrown a bottle, they pinned the man down and pepper sprayed him in the face.Police lines were sporadically pelted with bottles and rocks. At one point, as officers broke their lines and chased down a protester who appeared to have thrown a bottle, they pinned the man down and pepper sprayed him in the face.
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It is now close to 2am in Ferguson and the situation is fairly calm, although some protesters remain on West Florissant Avenue, as do police officers and the armed oath keepers:It is now close to 2am in Ferguson and the situation is fairly calm, although some protesters remain on West Florissant Avenue, as do police officers and the armed oath keepers:
I asked "John", oath keeper spokesman, if police approved of them being there. He said yes but instructed not to walk through police lines.I asked "John", oath keeper spokesman, if police approved of them being there. He said yes but instructed not to walk through police lines.
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Several protesters on West Florissant are using social media to ask what the police response would be if black demonstrators had turned up heavily armed, as the (white) oath keepers have done:Several protesters on West Florissant are using social media to ask what the police response would be if black demonstrators had turned up heavily armed, as the (white) oath keepers have done:
People are fascinated because of Black men and women showed up carrying these rifles, what would happen? #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/1iWBeSZQtFPeople are fascinated because of Black men and women showed up carrying these rifles, what would happen? #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/1iWBeSZQtF
Why are there men with guns and the police are doing nothing?!!!!Why are there men with guns and the police are doing nothing?!!!!
Y'all, the apparent "oathkeepers" are on W. Florissant now, white men armed with assault rifles. America. 2015.Y'all, the apparent "oathkeepers" are on W. Florissant now, white men armed with assault rifles. America. 2015.
I haven’t yet seen a police comment or tweet on the presence of the militia members.I haven’t yet seen a police comment or tweet on the presence of the militia members.
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To add to the tension on West Florissant, five or so men have arrived with assault rifles. They are so-called oath keepers, militia members who assert it is their duty to disobey official orders that they say contravene the US constitution.To add to the tension on West Florissant, five or so men have arrived with assault rifles. They are so-called oath keepers, militia members who assert it is their duty to disobey official orders that they say contravene the US constitution.
Small group of heavily armed "oath keeper" militia just walked into the crowd. Told protesters "we're on your side" pic.twitter.com/jnvLprn91rSmall group of heavily armed "oath keeper" militia just walked into the crowd. Told protesters "we're on your side" pic.twitter.com/jnvLprn91r
Many protesters are not happy to see them:Many protesters are not happy to see them:
Oath Keepers have shown up in Ferguson with assault rifles. Protesters led by @TefPoe telling them to get away. pic.twitter.com/n9PNwkGNBLOath Keepers have shown up in Ferguson with assault rifles. Protesters led by @TefPoe telling them to get away. pic.twitter.com/n9PNwkGNBL
The oath keepers are reportedly refusing to answer questions from protesters and reporters on the scene about who they are, why they are there and who is paying them.The oath keepers are reportedly refusing to answer questions from protesters and reporters on the scene about who they are, why they are there and who is paying them.
Protesters wondering aloud if cops would allow them to wander down the street unabated with assault rifles. #fergusonProtesters wondering aloud if cops would allow them to wander down the street unabated with assault rifles. #ferguson
The St Louis Post-Dispatch has more background on the oath keepers and why they have decided to adopt the Ferguson protests.The St Louis Post-Dispatch has more background on the oath keepers and why they have decided to adopt the Ferguson protests.
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More than a dozen people have now been arrested in the evening protests on West Florissant.More than a dozen people have now been arrested in the evening protests on West Florissant.
These are in addition to nearly 120 arrests during Monday, including close to 60 who were detained after blocking interstate highway 70.These are in addition to nearly 120 arrests during Monday, including close to 60 who were detained after blocking interstate highway 70.
Several of those arrested have been released – including Cornel West, DeRay McKesson and Johnetta “Netta” Elzie – but a number are believed to still be in custody.Several of those arrested have been released – including Cornel West, DeRay McKesson and Johnetta “Netta” Elzie – but a number are believed to still be in custody.
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Huffington Post reporter Ryan Reilly was one of two journalists charged on Monday in relation to arrests made nearly a year ago, during the initial Ferguson protests in the wake of Brown’s death. Tonight a police officer was seen pushing Reilly and taking his press badge:Huffington Post reporter Ryan Reilly was one of two journalists charged on Monday in relation to arrests made nearly a year ago, during the initial Ferguson protests in the wake of Brown’s death. Tonight a police officer was seen pushing Reilly and taking his press badge:
A @stlcountypd tried to grab me and snatched my press badge this evening. https://t.co/Zx8JxHgWkjA @stlcountypd tried to grab me and snatched my press badge this evening. https://t.co/Zx8JxHgWkj
Reilly, along with Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery, is accused of trespassing and interfering with a police officer. He was arrested while working from a McDonalds restaurant as police swept people out of the centre of the city last August.Reilly, along with Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery, is accused of trespassing and interfering with a police officer. He was arrested while working from a McDonalds restaurant as police swept people out of the centre of the city last August.
They had one year from date of offense. Charged with 7 days to spare https://t.co/x4CEG5Vk5kThey had one year from date of offense. Charged with 7 days to spare https://t.co/x4CEG5Vk5k
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Associated Press has this on the current situation at the protest site:Associated Press has this on the current situation at the protest site:
Around midnight, a group of more than 50 protesters began marching down the middle of West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, defying orders from police to clear the roadway.Around midnight, a group of more than 50 protesters began marching down the middle of West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, defying orders from police to clear the roadway.
Police formed a line across the width of the street to meet them, wearing riot shields, helmets and bullet-proof vests. As protesters approached the officers, some threw water bottles at them.Police formed a line across the width of the street to meet them, wearing riot shields, helmets and bullet-proof vests. As protesters approached the officers, some threw water bottles at them.
Officers detained some protesters.Officers detained some protesters.
Some people gathered on a curb urged those in the street to stop throwing things at police. Another person grabbed a barricade and tossed it into the middle of the street.Some people gathered on a curb urged those in the street to stop throwing things at police. Another person grabbed a barricade and tossed it into the middle of the street.
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For some context to this evening’s protests, the anniversary of Michael Brown’s death and police killings in the US, take a look at this Guardian US interactive:For some context to this evening’s protests, the anniversary of Michael Brown’s death and police killings in the US, take a look at this Guardian US interactive:
Related: The Counted: people killed by police in the United States in 2015 – interactive
6.30am BST6.30am BST
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Police announcements are telling protesters to “back up” and move out of the street. Cars can be seen moving along West Florissant Avenue, so the street is evidently not blocked.Police announcements are telling protesters to “back up” and move out of the street. Cars can be seen moving along West Florissant Avenue, so the street is evidently not blocked.
We seem to have returned to the situation earlier in the evening, with protesters on one side of the road, and police on the other.We seem to have returned to the situation earlier in the evening, with protesters on one side of the road, and police on the other.
Police are back on the other side of the street. pic.twitter.com/HzjyoSYpi3Police are back on the other side of the street. pic.twitter.com/HzjyoSYpi3
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St Louis county police department have been making liberal use of social media this evening too: this latest tweet confirms it is demanding that protesters “disperse”.St Louis county police department have been making liberal use of social media this evening too: this latest tweet confirms it is demanding that protesters “disperse”.
Officers are being hit with rocks and bottles. We continue to support free speech, but agitators who ignore orders to disperse risk arrest.Officers are being hit with rocks and bottles. We continue to support free speech, but agitators who ignore orders to disperse risk arrest.
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Few men threw plastic ice bottles at police. Cops chased them down, arrested, maced this one on the ground. Ferguson pic.twitter.com/7wGRvie1tCFew men threw plastic ice bottles at police. Cops chased them down, arrested, maced this one on the ground. Ferguson pic.twitter.com/7wGRvie1tC
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It is just after midnight in Ferguson now and the tensions do not seem to be dying down, although it would be an exaggeration to say that things have moved out of control.It is just after midnight in Ferguson now and the tensions do not seem to be dying down, although it would be an exaggeration to say that things have moved out of control.
Water bottles, and reportedly rocks, are being thrown at police lines, and further arrests are being made.Water bottles, and reportedly rocks, are being thrown at police lines, and further arrests are being made.
Oliver Laughland says officers have moved to split the group of protesters on West Florissant:Oliver Laughland says officers have moved to split the group of protesters on West Florissant:
Another police line being established facing north on w.florissant now. Crowd is split. pic.twitter.com/viNUFAptbRAnother police line being established facing north on w.florissant now. Crowd is split. pic.twitter.com/viNUFAptbR
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The police on West Florissant Avenue have made a move against a group of protesters, my colleagues report from the scene:The police on West Florissant Avenue have made a move against a group of protesters, my colleagues report from the scene:
#ferguson Police now rushing forward https://t.co/IsuNXKeHTg#ferguson Police now rushing forward https://t.co/IsuNXKeHTg
Oliver Laughland reports that pepper spray has again been used by officers. At least two fresh arrests were made, he says.Oliver Laughland reports that pepper spray has again been used by officers. At least two fresh arrests were made, he says.
Police just charged at protesters and snatched several men. @stlcountypd officer alleges "they had weapons". Ferguson pic.twitter.com/BcSbKNfLKfPolice just charged at protesters and snatched several men. @stlcountypd officer alleges "they had weapons". Ferguson pic.twitter.com/BcSbKNfLKf
A car has now been surrounded by police officers and is being searched.A car has now been surrounded by police officers and is being searched.
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Reuters has filed this latest round-up of tonight’s events:Reuters has filed this latest round-up of tonight’s events:
Police in riot gear contained roughly 200 protesters who had gathered in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, on Monday to mark the anniversary of the police shooting of an unarmed black teen whose death ignited a national firestorm on race relations.Police in riot gear contained roughly 200 protesters who had gathered in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, on Monday to mark the anniversary of the police shooting of an unarmed black teen whose death ignited a national firestorm on race relations.
The demonstrators, some waving flags, beating drums, and shouting anti-police slogans, marched along a street that was a flashpoint of last year’s riots, which erupted after white police officer Darren Wilson shot dead 18-year-old black teen Michael Brown.The demonstrators, some waving flags, beating drums, and shouting anti-police slogans, marched along a street that was a flashpoint of last year’s riots, which erupted after white police officer Darren Wilson shot dead 18-year-old black teen Michael Brown.
Nine people were arrested late on Monday after a group of protesters briefly blocked the roadway, though demonstrations late into the evening were largely peaceful.Nine people were arrested late on Monday after a group of protesters briefly blocked the roadway, though demonstrations late into the evening were largely peaceful.
Authorities had declared a state of emergency on Monday for the St. Louis suburb and surrounding areas after police officers shot and critically wounded a man in an exchange of gunfire Sunday night, marring what had been a day of peaceful demonstrations.Authorities had declared a state of emergency on Monday for the St. Louis suburb and surrounding areas after police officers shot and critically wounded a man in an exchange of gunfire Sunday night, marring what had been a day of peaceful demonstrations.
Among the demonstrators on Monday evening was 51-year-old Ferguson resident Roberta Lynch, who said relations between the police and community had improved little over the past year.Among the demonstrators on Monday evening was 51-year-old Ferguson resident Roberta Lynch, who said relations between the police and community had improved little over the past year.
“They are doing the same old stuff, taking our rights,” Lynch said. “They need to give us our space.”“They are doing the same old stuff, taking our rights,” Lynch said. “They need to give us our space.”
Monday’s demonstrations capped a day of civil disobedience called by activists to protest the shooting of Brown and other unarmed black men across the United States by police.Monday’s demonstrations capped a day of civil disobedience called by activists to protest the shooting of Brown and other unarmed black men across the United States by police.
Tensions grew as darkness fell on Monday, with several confrontations between police wearing riot gear and demonstrators. Small unmanned aerial drones circled above the crowd.Tensions grew as darkness fell on Monday, with several confrontations between police wearing riot gear and demonstrators. Small unmanned aerial drones circled above the crowd.
St Louis county police chief Jon Belmar, standing across the street from the demonstrators, told reporters that police officers were going to give protesters leeway to march, but said the authorities also had to maintain public safety.St Louis county police chief Jon Belmar, standing across the street from the demonstrators, told reporters that police officers were going to give protesters leeway to march, but said the authorities also had to maintain public safety.
“We are going to let them vent and we are going to manage it the best we possibly can,” Belmar said. “Last night was pretty out of control at times. Unfortunately, all the good work that’s happening on both sides of the street has been marred by violence.”“We are going to let them vent and we are going to manage it the best we possibly can,” Belmar said. “Last night was pretty out of control at times. Unfortunately, all the good work that’s happening on both sides of the street has been marred by violence.”
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Valeri Felix, 13, was with her father taking part in a peaceful protest. My colleague Oliver Laughland spoke to her:Valeri Felix, 13, was with her father taking part in a peaceful protest. My colleague Oliver Laughland spoke to her: