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03/28/2024 10:27:15 pm

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Ferguson Protesters and Police Clash on Anniversary of Mike Brown's Death

Mike Brown Anniversary Protests

(Photo : Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Police take cover after a barrage of gunfire erupted along West Florrisant Street during a demonstration to mark the 1-year anniversary of the shooting of Michael Brown on August 9, 2015 in Ferguson, Missouri.

Two men were wounded by gunfire in Ferguson, Missouri, after demonstrators clashed with the city's police force on Sunday evening. The demonstrators were marking the anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, an African-American teenager, who was killed by a white policeman.

Reuters reported that several shots were heard as anti-riot police started to clear the protesters from the streets. The marchers were said to be causing traffic and several store owners in the area reported that their properties were being damaged by the protesters.

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There has been no comment from local authorities regarding who fired the shots.

Ferguson city officials have not also announced the fate and identities of the people wounded by gunfire during the dispersal of the rally. Reporters on the scene were able to take a picture of a young African-American male who seemed to have a gunshot wound. There are speculations that at least two people were killed in the shootout.

Another demonstration organized a couple of hours ago in honor of Brown was not marred by any violent outburst, according to Yahoo News. The teenager's death last year sparked numerous demonstrations across the country over racial profiling and the murder of young African-American males by the police.

There were concerns of violent outbursts during the preparation for the protest to mark the anniversary of Brown's murder. The march had been relatively calm during the day. However, things got ugly and violent in the evening, forcing police to attempt to remove the protesters from the street. But, some angry protesters returned and seemed ready for a showdown with the police.

Eyewitnesses say cooler heads among the demonstrators tried to calm both sides and their efforts appeared to be working until several gunshots were heard.Moments later, police reinforcements including a helicopter, arrived.

On Monday, police spokesperson Shawn McGuire said officers at the scene were shot by unknown assailants. While none of the policemen was hit, two of their vehicles sustained damages.

Michael Brown was not carrying any weapon when he was shot by former police officer Darren Wilson. The court's subsequent decision not to file charges of wrongdoing against the policeman outraged many in the African-American community.

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