Protests in US over white officer who shot black teenager

The decision of a grand jury not to indict a white police officer who killed an unarmed black teenager has sparked protests in the US.

Darren Wilson, the police officer, shot dead 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9.

According to BBC, the case had fanned the flames of racial differences in the US, with many African Americans calling for Wilson to be charged with murder.

Following announcement of the ruling on Monday night that the police officer would not be charged, thousands of angry protesters went rioting, firing shots and vandalising police cars.

The police responded with smoke canisters, pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the protesters, who rallied in Ferguson and across US cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York.

While Brown’s family said they were “profoundly disappointed”, Robert McCulloch, the state prosecutor, said the jury had tried to separate fact from fiction after exhaustively examining the case.

“These grand jurors poured their hearts and soul into this process,” he said, adding that some of the statements made by witnesses had been contradicted by physical evidence.

However, Brown’s family had called for calm, urging Americans against a violent reaction to the ruling.

“We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions,” the family said in a statement.

“While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen.

“We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction. Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference.”

Speaking from the White House shortly after the announcement in Missouri, President Barack Obama joined the family to sue for peace.

“We are a nation built on the rule of law, so we have to accept this decision was the grand jury’s to make. I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully,” Obama said.

“Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone. We should be honouring their wishes.”

The slain teen was buried on August 25.