Ferguson riots: 'I didn't foresee an evening like this': Why was jury decision announced at 8pm?
Speculation ranges from police wanting to let people get home from work - to maximising their own overtime pay
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The decision not to indict the police officer who killed Michael Brown has resulted in an almost immediate flare-up of violent protests, prompting the question – why was it announced at 8pm?
The grand jury in Clayton, Missouri had reached a decision some hours earlier, but Prosecutor Bob McCulloch called a press conference to announce the verdict only once night had fallen.
Early guidance from McCulloch’s office suggested the decision would be revealed “after rush hour”, and many have suggested that 8pm was chosen to give people time to get home safely.
Belmar said the riots were “probably much worse than the worst night we ever had in August” after Brown was killed, adding: “I didn’t foresee an evening like this.”
Many will accuse him and McCulloch of being shortsighted – and searched for ulterior motives for the 8pm announcement timing. Some suggested police “wanted civil unrest to occur”.
Perhaps even more cynically, Miami Herald writer Joseph Goodman asked: “I wonder how much more overtime the cops make in St Louis for an announcement at night compared to during the day?”
Meanwhile, the riots continue and the National Guard in Ferguson have deployed tear gas and rubber bullets.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments