Peace Encouraged As Baltimore Braces For Ferguson Ruling
FERGUSON, Mo. (WJZ)—Calling for peace. People are anxiously awaiting a decision from the grand jury in Ferguson, Mo. Regardless of the decision, hundreds of people are expected to protest across the nation for Michael Brown, the unarmed teenager shot and killed by a police officer.
Rochelle Ritchie reports the president is asking protestors to remain calm.
No one knows what the decision the grand jury will make but Reverend Al Sharpton tells us whatever it is it will have a major impact either way.
The clock is winding down to the final word from the grand jury in Missouri as they decided whether or not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the shooting death of Brown.
Sharpton spoke with WJZ after paying a visit to a local church, saying the decision from the grand jury will have a great impact either way.
"The decision will determine whether we can ever trust state grand jury's and if the federal government has to step in and protect people in police matters. That's what is riding on this," Sharpton said.
Protesters for Brown have rallied all across the country, from Missouri to Baltimore, where the number of protesters is expected to grow following the grand jury's decision.
"We have an opportunity to do the right thing, but if we do the wrong thing the citizens of this country must be out in the street," said Rev. Cortly "C.D." Witherspoon, Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
"When there's been no indictment, no punishment for these kinds of crimes, people are going to be angry," a protestor said.
But the Brown family--who understands the anger firsthand--is calling for peace.
"Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer," said Michael Brown Sr., victim's father.
And the president seconds that call.
"This is a country that allows everyone to express their views, using any event as an expression for violence is contrary to who we are and rule of law," said President Barack Obama.
Rev. Sharpton says the decision in Missouri is one that will determine the future relationship for the nation's youngest citizens and police.
"I have very little faith in this grand jury. I believe we are going to have federal government step in as we did with Rodney King," Sharpton said.
Protesters are expected to gather at McKeldin Square following the grand jury's decision.
Sharpton says he plans to be with the Brown family.
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