In preparation of possible unrest post the jurors' decision in the Michael Brown shooting case, the authorities have sent close to 100 additional agents to tension-ridden Ferguson, Missouri.
On Friday, Nov. 21, an anonymous U.S. official divulged that these agents sent by the FBI will aid the existing law enforcement team in the region.
Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County Executive, disclosed that the protesters and government officials have also met to deliberate over the supposed "rules of engagement" in the event demonstrations post the jury's decision take place.
On Aug. 9, black teen Michael Brown was shot six times by Darren Wilson, a police officer. 18-year-old Brown was unarmed. Witnesses revealed that Brown was holding his hands in the air in surrender. The incident has sparked protests in the St. Louis suburb, which is dominated by blacks but the police are whites.
People are divided over the conviction of Wilson, with some even starting a crowdfunding campaign as reported previously.
A 12-member grand jury is assessing the incident and is scheduled to give a verdict any time in November. Whether Officer Wilson will be indicted is anybody's guess. The venue, date and time for the news conference that will announce the jurors' decision has not been decided.
Recently, as part of the increased vigilance in Ferguson, the FBI took two men into custody on firearm charges.
Post Brown's shooting, protestors had taken to the streets of Ferguson which got out of control and resulted in fierce clashes with the police. Missouri officials are fearful that post the jury's decision, which could go either way, the fury of the protestors may spiral into an unpleasant and tumultuous situation.
President Barack Obama called for protestors to stay peaceful.
"This is a country that allows everybody to express their views, allows them to peacefully assemble," said Obama.
Obama added that while people had the right "to protest actions that they think are unjust" using any situation as an "excuse for violence is contrary to rule of law and contrary to who we are."
The victim's father Michael Brown Sr. also called on supporters to "lift your voices" but not engage in violent acts.
"Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer," appealed Brown in a video message. "No matter what the grand jury decides, I don't want my son's death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone."
