Authorities released new information Sunday in the death Michael Brown who was shot Saturday by Ferguson, Missouri police.
Ferguson and St. Louis County police held a press conference Sunday and said 18-year-old Michael Brown physically assaulted a police officer.
"As the officer was exiting his police car, allegedly pushed the officer back into the car where he physically assaulted the police officer. Within the police car there was a struggle for the officer's weapon."
On Saturday, the day of the shooting, police did not comment on the details of the incident, but some witnesses did claiming foul play from Ferguson police against the unarmed black teenager.
"He ran for his life. They shot him and he fell. He put his arms up...they shot him twice more and he died." (Video via KTVI)
Hundreds of protestors immediately filled the streets where the shooting took place. (Video via KSDK)
St. Louis alderman Antonio French shared this video on vine.
Extra police departments were called in to help manage the large crowd. They brought assault rifles and police dogs along with them.
Alderman French called the presence of dogs "culturally and historically insensitive" in a tweet.
But, why didn't the police try to explain what happened from the beginning? It's possible that information may have helped calm down some of the public rage.
Police Chief Magazine explains it is protocol to hand over any deadly force incident to investigators and allow a certain amount of time to pass before making statements. In this case, it was the St. Louis County investigating team that chose not to speak publicly until the next day.
The officer who shot Brown is on paid leave, as typical when an officer uses deadly force.
About the Author
