National Guard To Try Restore Peace in Ferguson

FERGUSON – News – Gov. Jay Nixon has signed an executive order directing additional resources through the Missouri National Guard to help restore peace and order and to protect the citizens of Ferguson.

The move came despite efforts to bring peace to Ferguson Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis.

“Tonight, a day of hope, prayers, and peaceful protests was marred by the violent criminal acts of an organized and growing number of individuals, many from outside the community and state, whose actions are putting the residents and businesses of Ferguson at risk. I join the people of Ferguson, and all Missourians, in strongly condemning this criminal activity that included firing upon law enforcement officers, shooting a civilian, throwing Molotov cocktails, looting, and a coordinated attempt to block roads and overrun the Unified Command Center. These violent acts are a disservice to the family of Michael Brown and his memory, and to the people of this community who yearn for justice to be served, and to feel safe in their own homes. Given these deliberate, coordinated and intensifying violent attacks on lives and property in Ferguson, I am directing the highly capable men and women of the Missouri National Guard to assist Colonel Ron Replogle and the Unified Command in restoring peace and order to this community.”

Earlier in the day on Sunday, Missouri State Police Patrol Captain Ron Johnson stood in front of a rally held by civil rights activist Al Sharpton and apologized to the Brown family for the shooting death of their eighteen-year-old son.

“I want to start of by talking to Mike Brown’s family. I want them to know my heart goes out to you, and I say that I’m sorry. I wear this uniform, and I should stand up here and say that I’m sorry,” Johnson said to a cheering audience.

“This is my neighborhood, you are my family, you are my friends, and I am you. And I will stand and protect you — I will protect your right to protest,” Johnson went on to say.

Eighteen-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, was shot by white police officer Darren Wilson on August 9th 2014.

Patrol Captain Ron Johnson has been entrusted by the governor with restoring order in the city of Ferguson.