57 arrested at federal courthouse in Ferguson anniversary protest; state of emergency declared
Nearly 60 people were arrested Monday at the federal courthouse in St. Louis in what authorities called a peaceful protest by approximately 200 people.
Additional protests by some 1,000 people over the weekend of the one-year anniversary of the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by police in nearby Ferguson also were largely peaceful. However, Steve Stenger, who serves as St. Louis County executive, declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon after at least three shootings overnight Sunday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. In one incident, police charged Tyrone Harris with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action and shooting at or from a motor vehicle, saying he fired at officers, the Post-Dispatch reported. Police say they returned fire, and Harris was critically wounded and still hospitalized Monday.
Stenger put county police chief Jon Belmar in charge, saying in a written statement Monday afternoon: “Chief Belmar shall exercise all powers and duties necessary to preserve order, prevent crimes, and protect the life and property of our citizens.”
U.S. Attorney Richard Callahan said 57 people were arrested Monday at the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse in St. Louis after a reported march there by about 200 protesters from Christ Church Cathedral.
The march featured community and church leaders, MSNBC notes.
The Post-Dispatch said more than 50 protesters climbed barricades outside the courthouse about 1 p.m., then sat down and began chanting and singing. No arrests were made at that point. But about 30 St. Louis police officers arrived and began making arrests about 20 minutes later after protesters stood up and rushed toward the courthouse, sitting down again near the front door.
In a written statement provided to NBC on Monday, Gov. Jay Nixon cited multiple incidents the previous night, including the shootings and burglarized businesses. “Those who terrorize communities with gunfire and commit violence against police officers are criminals, and their reprehensible acts must not be allowed to silence the voices of peace and progress,” the governor said.
Later, other protesters joined hands across Interstate 70 to block rush-hour traffic, the Post-Dispatch reported. Most cleared off the highway by 5:40 p.m., but some refused to move. About 60 were arrested.
Still later, St. Louis County police said 23 people were arrested between 9:15 p.m. Monday and 12:15 a.m. Tuesday in Ferguson. Police said protesters were throwing rocks and frozen water bottles at officers.
Related coverage:
KTVI: ” ‘Moral Monday’ marchers arrested at St. Louis federal courthouse”
New York Daily News: “Cornel West among dozens of protesters arrested at St. Louis courthouse as state of emergency declared in Missouri”
See also:
ABAJournal.com: “Civil rights lawyers head to Ferguson as grand jury decision in police slaying of unarmed teen looms”
ABAJournal.com: “Ferguson cop won’t face federal charge in Michael Brown’s death; DOJ discounts surrender accounts”
ABAJournal.com: “Justice Department finds ‘unconstitutional policing’ in Ferguson; racial bias, revenue focus cited”
Last updated Aug. 11 with news of subsequent protests and arrests.
