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The situation in Ferguson seems to be going from bad to worse, as Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon approved an executive order Monday morning deploying the state’s national guard down to the city to quell the ongoing chaos that began following the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown earlier this month.
“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,” Nixon said in a statement.
“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,” he continued.
Police believe that a stronger militarized police presence is necessary to stop shooters, looters and vandals from wrecking havoc on the city. Police say there were compelled to use tear gas to disperse protestors Sunday night after gatherers began allegedly shooting and launching Molotov cocktails at officers.
“When we saw violent acts … We had to act to protect lives and property,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson said at a Monday news conference.