- Last night at 9:30 CDT in Ferguson, Missouri, an Al Jazeera America news crew was reporting behind police barricades. They were easily identifiable as a working television crew. As they were setting up their camera for a live report, tear gas canisters landed in their proximity and police fired rubber bullets in their direction. Police continued to shoot after crew members clearly and repeatedly shouted ‘Press’. Al Jazeera America is stunned by this egregious assault on freedom of the press that was clearly intended to have a chilling effect on our ability to cover this important story. Thankfully all three crew members are physically fine. We believe that this situation must be investigated along with those involving our colleagues at other media outlets.
Statement from Kate O'Brian, Al Jazeera America President
Hey all: I'm currently working about 12-13 hour days and I have not had the time to read up on this at all. Can somebody start from the top and explain this situation to me from beginning to now? I realize it's probably a lot to ask for.
Protester's side: Unarmed black man is assassinated by 94% white police department. Protesters start protesting. Unaffiliated bad people take advantage to loot. Police use military-grade violence to disperse peaceful protests. Police arrest journalists and destroy or dismantle their equipment. Governor declares he's about to remove the county police. FBI opens investigation into initial death. Protests ongoing. Police side: Suspect assaults officer and is shot resisting arrest. Protesters make it a race issue and began rioting and looting. Police use reasonable force to disperse rioters. National media makes it a race issue. Internet portrays rioters as heroes and police as villains. Police help journalists stay safe and transport their equipment. Police chief graciously hopes it won't be necessary to tear-gas the state senator again. Rioting ongoing. Disclaimer: I'm biased in support of the protesters. EDIT: Missouri Highway Patrol announced to take over Ferguson security.