WATCH: Philadelphia Reacts to Ferguson Grand Jury Decision
@FergusonPHL protest at 9 p.m., just before the findings were announced. Photo by Victor Fiorillo
UPDATE, 9:15 p.m.: The Ferguson police officer who shot Michael Brown last summer will not face charges in the case, a grand jury has determined. Robert McCulloch, the St. Louis County prosecutor made the announcement in a speech broadcast nationwide on Monday night.
“They are the only people who have heard and examined every witness and every piece of evidence,” McCulloch said, defending the grand jury’s work even as it became clear that the decision would trigger protests around the nation, including in Philadelphia. The protests in Philadelphia reportedly remained peaceful through the night.
The New York Times posted a full set of grand jury transcripts, forensic reports, and other documents.
Philly Mag’s Victor Fiorillo was at City Hall when the announcement was made:
#FergusonPHL protesters listening to grand jury press conference over a megaphone. Photo by Victor Fiorillo
Two protesters disagreed about the right way forward:
More Philadelphia reactions:
I am not hearing any words of compassion or sadness from Bob McCullough — except for himself, and how he's been treated in social media.
— Adam Bonin (@adambonin.bsky.social) (@adambonin) November 25, 2014
People who moments ago were out to dinner staring blankly at the protest march. At Broad and Chestnut. pic.twitter.com/O5tFwynY1N
— David Gambacorta (@dgambacorta) November 25, 2014
Stood in front of Michael Brown's mom as she heard the verdict. Nothing more painful than seeing her face.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) November 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/JRousset/status/537074827975475200
Police: Looks like marchers heading to Police HQ at 8th and Race
— Robert Moran (@RobertMoran215) November 25, 2014
At 11 p.m., Mayor Nutter addressed the press and lauded the peaceful nature of the Philly protests, saying there is “no excuse” for violence against property or people.
But he also criticized Ferguson authorities for their handling of the incident — including the decision to wait until sundown to announce the grand jury results.
“They have botched this entire tragedy so badly from start to finish it has left the folks in Ferguson beyond disappointed — and I would say for myself disgusted,” Nutter said.
He also expressed confusion at the inability to get an indictment against Officer Darren Wilson, noting that Michael Brown — unarmed — was shot at least 10 times by the officer.
“I’ve heard no explanation for that,” Nutter said. “There seems to be no explanation for that.”
A crowd of marchers at City Hall at 11 p.m. Photo by Guy Juravich
ORIGINAL: The grand jury has reportedly reached its decision on whether to charge Ferguson officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown.
As the nation prepares for the news, which is scheduled to be announced at 9 p.m. ET, Philadelphia is also bracing. Philly Mag senior reporter Victor Fiorillo observed increased police presence in Center City this afternoon, with multiple officers stationed at each entrance to LOVE Park (above). He overheard officers being instructed not to allow protesters into the park where Christmas Village is set up.
Police gathered at LOVE Park earlier today. Photo | Victor Fiorillo
Police chief inspector Dennis Wilson told Fiorillo that police aren’t expecting much activity tonight. He also said police are aware of reports of an anti-police protest that has been promoted on Facebook since last week. Demonstrations have been planned in Philadelphia for the day of and the day after the decision.
Follow Philadelphia’s reaction via the Twitter hashtag #FergusonPHL:
