12-Person Jury Decision Could Lead St. Louis County To Chaos: Ferguson Grand Jury Makes Decision — Announcement Released Tonight
MStars News has learned that the fate of the Ferguson police officer who shot Michael Brown dead will be announced later on tonight.
According to USA Today, the St. Louis County 12-person grand jury came to their final decision Monday, Nov. 24, in the case of Officer Darren Wilson after he fatally shot the unarmed teen back in August, resulting in violent protests.
Anthony Gray, a lawyer for the Brown family, informed everyone that prosecutor Robert McCulloch will reveal the verdict after 5 p.m. CT. The 28-year-old officer is waiting to hear if he will face charges in the death of Michael Brown.
Brown's parents have already received a phone call, but it is unknown what facts they know at this time.
Due to fear of tonight's announcement, some schools have closed, as well as businesses.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest claims the president does not have any "special insight" into a jury's decision. Earnest also says that President Barack Obama hasn't made any decisions on whether or not he'll address the announcement once it's revealed tonight.
Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder already told protesters to stay calm on their reactions and for police to exercise restraint.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has shared details and claims that the police agreed to use 11 of 19 rules of engagement requested by protest leaders, "including avoiding the use of excessive force and communicating with protest organizers to de-escalate tense situations."
The remainder, he said, would interfere with police duties.
No matter what tonight's outcome is, Wilson could face civil rights charges that will be produced by the U.S. Justice Department or a civil wrongful death lawsuit that Brown's parents filed.
If Wilson is accused of a serious crime, he will be arrested and his case will continue through the court system.
So far people across the nation have been tweeting about tonight's announcement.