There are reports that bullets were fired at the protest in Ferguson tonight after the curfew was imposed. [UPDATE: Additional tweets and information from morning press conference added below.]
Real RT @PaulSzoldra @jonswaine rubber bullet or real bullet?
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 17, 2014
Most remaining protesters scattered after shooting. Few stragglers staying put outside BBQ restaurant
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 17, 2014
UPDATE:
Peacekeeper Anthony Ellis tells KMOV Ferguson protesters began firing shots and one was injured
— Jon Passantino (@passantino) August 17, 2014
Update:
Shooting victim in critical condition per Johnson #Ferguson
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) August 17, 2014
I can tell you firsthand that some of the people that remained tonight were armed. Were ready for a fight. And wanted to injure police.
— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) August 17, 2014
Given the ample opportunity they had to shoot at police, it’s a miracle there weren’t other injuries. At the early morning press conference, State Trooper Captain Ron Johnson said that the tear gas was deployed because of the shooter, which a policeman spotted via binoculars.
SO, the protesters got violent and the police responded.