A law enforcement officer watches on during a protest on West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, Missouri on August 18, 2014. Police fired tear gas in another night of unrest in a Missouri town where a white police officer shot and killed an unarmed black teenager, just hours after President Barack Obama called for calm. ; Credit: MICHAEL B. THOMAS/AFP/Getty Images
Violence and protests persisted in Ferguson, Missouri last night despite the presence of National Guard troops. Peaceful protests turned into violence, including gunshots, as civilians and authorities attempted to reign in the outbursts from a small group.
Two men were shot, and 31 people, some from out of state, were arrested. Tear gas and orders to leave followed. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon lifted the curfew in Ferguson, but confusion over restrictions on protests only seemed to fuel frustrations and confusion. Police urged peaceful protesters to limit their demonstrations to daylight hours, saying that nighttime protests give cover to “violent agitators” -- protests continued and anger grew when crowds were asked to disperse around midnight, the time of the revoked curfew.
How will the situation in Ferguson continue to develop? What are the best tactics for protesters to use to truly further their cause? What are the best approaches for keeping people safe?
Guest:
Durrie Bouscaren, reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, has been in Ferguson during nighttime protests
Jason Rosenbaum, reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, on the ground in Ferguson