Ferguson, MO – Authorities have started arresting protesters who were planning to block part of Interstate 70 at the St. Louis suburb where an unarmed black 18-year-old was fatally shot by a white police officer.
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Groups of protesters were gathering in the middle of North Hanley Road near the interstate on-ramps Wednesday ahead of their plans to block access to the highway. After being warned to stay out of the street some refused, and an Associated press reporter saw at least 7 cuffed by police.
Organizers say they want to bring rush hour traffic on I-70 in Ferguson to a standstill and expect to be arrested.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and city and county police departments say they will “enforce the law and ensure public safety” at the protest.
I’m concerned that if the county grand jury does not indict Darren Wilson, there will be worse riots in Ferguson, and elsewhere, than any civil disorders previously in that area.
These threats to damage the public by these bloodthirsty goons need to be taken seriously. They retain the privilege to demonstrate peacefully. But once this turns into anything that is injurious to the public, they are criminals. Law enforcement should crack down on them like terrorists. Their anger cannot be permitted to damage anyone’s ability to travel, get to work or shopping, etc. I would order the police, if I were in charge, to let them know that the crowd who turns violent will be met with live fire. It worked in 1968 in Philadelphia, and it should help maintain calm. These bands of thugs are not the grand jury. The system is working. Now let it handle justice without violence.