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Innocent Death and the Event’s (Hopeful) Consequences

Ferguson, Missouri has become one of the first cities in the United States to experience the full power and intimidation of a militarized police force. After Ferguson police shot down a surrendered, unarmed black teenager, riots broke out. Protesters demanded justice as the next five days were laced with violent and nonviolent protests. In response to these demonstrations against the unpunished murder of a young man, the Ferguson police department has responded in the most immature fashion imaginable.

  (Michael Brown: The slain teen. Public domain.)

Scenes of police officers in warlike suits carrying assault weapons, driving tank-like trucks, and using military tactics seem foreign to most Americans, many believing that police violence such as this could not happen in The United States. However, the reality is that it can happen and is happening. Images of largely black demonstrators squaring off against an over armed and over violent police force flooded the Internet throughout the week. While these pictures have been compared to situations throughout history, perhaps the most disturbing and accurate is the comparison of the situation in Ferguson to the Civil Rights Movement. As the town of Ferguson erupted in violence over the death of one of their innocent young, the police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Although officials could potentially see these actions as preemptive measures and riot control procedures, what the police did next is unimaginable. Instead of attempting to calm trouble and respond rationally, the police released a video of what they claim to be Mike Brown “robbing a convenience store”.

As the police used this video as a sort of perverse justification of the killing, Ferguson erupted into even more outrage and the police responded harshly. Reporters were arrested for recording police behavior and two of those incarcerated journalists reported being assaulted.  While President Obama and Al Sharpton called for peace, the police continued to outstep their jurisdiction, creating a no fly zone in Ferguson. Authorities stated the reason for the airspace restriction as protecting law enforcement work. After five days of fighting in what the Governor of Missouri referred to as “a war zone” the police of Ferguson has been replaced with a security force led by Missouri State Troopers.

The State Patrol, led by an officer who grew up around Ferguson, began their security campaign in the suburb with a peaceful march in which the troopers shook hands with protesters. While the rallies appear to have won over the opinion of the state government, the issue remains that the government needs to take action against police brutality. This change could come from legislation or from something as simple as a shift towards nonviolent police training.

                  (Example of militarized law enforcement. Public domain.)

Neither side is correct in Ferguson. The police should not brutalize the population they swear to “protect and serve”, while the people should not respond with violence. Many people across the United States, especially in racially segregated areas, now see violence as the only option. It seems that the days of nonviolent activism leading to revolution may be over as nonviolence often results in non-action in cases of police brutality. Stopping cruelty at its root appears to be the only way to halt violence before it begins. As Americans, we should take it upon ourselves to demand justice and new policies regarding police violence. American citizens cannot accept mistreatment. No longer can a police force of only fifty-three officers have access to militaristic vehicles and assault weapons. The time has come to demilitarize the police. 

To offer more in depth information about the situation in Ferguson, pertinent links can be found below:

Ferguson: Everything You Need to Know

                                          

Police fires into crowd of peaceful protesters

Tear gas used on protesters