At 3am local time early Sunday morning, police in Ferguson held a press conference to discuss many reports of violence and gun fire following the curfew announced yesterday by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon that went into effect at midnight.
In the hours after midnight, police attempted to disperse crowds that were refusing to obey the curfew. Seven people were arrested during that time. Also during that time, police responded to a call of a shooting victim at a restaurant near the QuikTrip. At that time, police saw one individual in the middle of the road brandishing a hand gun. They responded by using tear gas to push back the crowds and to look for the shooting victim. No one has been reported arrested in connection with the shooting.
State Police Captain Ron Johnson fielded questions from the press about the incident.
On Saturday, Johnson told reporters and the local community that police would not be using tear gas to enforce the curfew. When asked about the reason that police ended up using tear gas after all, Johnson responded that it was appropriate force in light of the reports of a shooting victim. He also emphasized several times that the gas was used as part of their response to the call, and not as part of their plan to enforce the curfew.
The victim, who is in critical condition and may not survive the night, was taken to the hospital by protesters “in the area” before police were able to reach him.
Ferguson, MO early Sunday morning as police fire tear gas to disperse crowds.