It’s been perhaps the most peaceful night yet in Ferguson since protests began in response to the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson two weeks ago.
Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson briefs reporters early Saturday morning. (screencap courtesy KSDK)
Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson briefed reporters early Saturday morning.
“Despite a second day of intense heat and humidity I observed very little tension on the street tonight. Instead, I continue to see more and more citizens and police officers making eye contact, smiling at one another and shaking hands,” says Johnson. “Good things happen when people calmly interact and that is what’s happening.”
Johnson says some group of 20 to 30 protestors marched and chanted. One was asked by law enforcement to move from the center of West Florissant Avenue to the sidewalk and they obliged.
“We had to respond to fewer incidents tonight, there were no Molotov cocktails tonight, no fires, no shootings, and we did not seize a single handgun. Again tonight we deployed no smoke devices, no teargas and no mace,” Johnson reports. “And again tonight no police officer fired a single bullet. We did not have to deploy any SWAT vehicles.”
Johnson says the number of arrests has dropped off.
“Tuesday night through 2 a.m. the number of arrests was 47. Wednesday night the number of arrests was six. Last night it was seven and tonight it was zero.”
“Tonight’s lack of conflict is further proof that good things are happening in Ferguson,” says Johnson.
He says the draw down of the National Guard’s presence in Ferguson is continuing.
The White House is pleased with progress in Ferguson. Press secretary Eric Schultz told reporters on Friday, “We’ve been encouraged by what we’ve seen in the last few days. The president last week and then on Monday, I believe, called for a de-escalation in the tensions. That was paramount for him.”
The funeral for Michael Brown will be held Monday.