The violent one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Brown has caused St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger to declare a state of emergency.
“In light of last night’s violence and unrest in the City of Ferguson, and the potential for harm to persons and property, I am exercising my authority as county executive to issue a state of emergency, effectively immediately,” Stenger said in a statement.
On Sunday night, 18-year-old Tyrone Harris Jr. opened fire on officers in Ferguson after a full day of peaceful rallies on the anniversary of Brown’s death. The officers returned fire and Harris remains in a local hospital in critical condition.
St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar will also immediately take over the operations in Ferguson and surrounding areas as unrest continues, Stenger’s announcement revealed.
“The recent acts of violence will not be tolerated in a community that has worked so tirelessly over the last year to rebuild and become stronger,” Stenger’s statement said. “The time and investment in Ferguson and Dellwood will not be destroyed by a few that wish to violate the rights of others.”
