Mike Brown Update: Social Media Reaction to Second Day of Ferguson Riots Protesting Police Shooting of Unarmed Black Teen [Photos, Video]
Following a weekend of violence, the residents of Ferguson, Missouri have dealt with even more violent public outrage in a second day of riots in the wake of the fatal shooting of Mike Brown, an 18-year-old unarmed black youth. The FBI and Department of Justice have opened their own investigation into the case.
Authorities say Brown died of multiple gunshot wounds. The officer involved in the shooting was placed on paid leave, reports say. The officer also remains unnamed at this time. Reports say there have been numerous threats on social media towards police.
However, social media has been key in providing a glimpse at the unrest in the Ferguson community. President Barack Obama has even released a statement calling for calm in the matter. "I know the events of the past few days have prompted strong passions," President Obama said in a statement on Tuesday.
"But as details unfold, I urge everyone in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country, to remember this young man through reflection and understanding. We should comfort each other and talk with one another in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds. Along with our prayers, that's what Michael and his family, and our broader American community, deserve."
Reports say that Ferguson residents and police clashed following a mass protest on Monday, which also followed an intense night of looting that saw 12 stores burglarized and one nearly burned to the ground.
According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, many of the Ferguson police department's officers are white, but more than half of the town is black. "Racial profiling statistics from the Missouri Attorney General's office reveal the community is subject to disproportionate police action," reports the website Mic.com.
In fact, the standoff between the residents and police has produced something that looks like a war zone, with residents being shot by non-lethal bullets and teargas being used on crowds. The symbol for the protests has resident's holding their hands up yelling "Don't shoot."
Police have said that the killing of Brown was the result of an assault that involved a police officer's gun. The young man was shot near his grandmother's house, according to reports.
On Monday, authorities said they would release the name of the officer who shot Brown, but declined to name him citing safety grounds on Tuesday.