Executive Branch

After new round of violence, Nixon to triple National Guard presence in Ferguson

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The remains of former businesses were still smoldering in Ferguson on Tuesday afternoon after a destructive round of protests Tuesday night.

A dozen businesses were burned to the ground Monday night following the revelation of the grand jury’s decision to not indict Darren Wilson, the white police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown, a young black man. As the buildings were burning, dangerous conditions in Ferguson prevented firefighters from protecting them.

“No one should have to live like this,” Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said during a news conference on Tuesday.

There, he announced he would triple the number of National Guard troops in Ferguson to 2,200 ahead of expected demonstrations tonight. In their new role, Nixon said the soldiers will not only guard government institutions, but also homes and businesses.

“We’ll have a significant number out tonight,” he said.

The announcement was made after Ferguson Mayor James Knowles expressed concern that the guard was not deployed soon enough to protect local businesses. As businesses were burning Monday night, Knowles said he was unable to make contact to get additional resources to the community.

“The National Guard was not deployed in time to save all of our businesses,” he said during a news conference. “Many of our residents are cleaning their businesses and wondering, “what happens tonight?’”

Last night, Nixon said there were 700 soldiers at 100 “vital facilities throughout the region” to assist the law enforcement unified command. Nixon, speaking with reporters earlier this month, said the National Guard had not trained with local law enforcement.

Nixon, wearing an Army green jacket, said he visited West Florissant Avenue on Tuesday where much of Monday night’s violence took place.

“It’s a heart-breaking sight. Seniors afraid to leave the house. School canceled. Kids scared to go outside and play,” he said. “The National Guard presence will be ramped up significantly in Ferguson and ensuring they are ready to act quickly to prevent violence.”

 

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