On August 10, racial protests in Ferguson (USA) erupted into violence again when protesters exchanged fierce gunfire with each other and with the police. Vandalism also occurred.

Crowdrushed into the police Photo: Reuters

Some peopleProtesters lie down when gunshots ring out Photo: Reuters

Policehiding behind the car to avoid bullets Photo: Reuters

According to Reuters, the St. Louis County Police Department said that after a peaceful protest in Ferguson, hundreds of people lined up to block traffic and smashed store windows along a street where young Michael Brown was shot dead by white police officer Darren Wilson.

Two groups of men then opened fire on each other. As one gunman ran through a parking lot, four police officers stopped him. A fierce gun battle ensued and the gunman was seriously injured. He is currently in critical condition in the hospital.

St. Louis Police Chief Jon Belmar said the gunman and four officers fired more than 40 shots at each other. “The shooters were not protesters, they were criminals. They were out to cause trouble,” Belmar said.

In addition to the gunman, a police officer was seriously injured when a brick was thrown by protesters. A reporter was beaten in a parking lot near the protest site. A group of people clashed violently with the police, shouting: “We are ready for war.”

When the gunfire erupted, about 100 people near the scene panicked and ran for cover. They scattered and hid behind cars. The police also covered themselves with shields and drew their guns, ready to fire.

The violence followed a peaceful protest by Ferguson residents to remember 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by white police officer Darren Wilson a year ago. Many protesters wore T-shirts with Brown’s portrait and the words “Choose Change.” Others held signs that read “Stop Killing Black Children.” Michael Brown’s father expressed gratitude to those who participated in the peaceful protest.

Officer Wilson resigned after shooting Brown. A local grand jury decided not to indict Brown, further fueling outrage among Ferguson residents. During the early morning protest, many said the government needed to reform the police system to end police brutality against black people.

They called on Americans across the country to join a “day of protest.” In New York City, a racial protest also took place. Protesters marched in Brooklyn before holding a candlelight vigil for the black victims of police shootings in Manhattan’s Union Square. Protests also took place in many places in the US, even in front of the US Embassy in London (UK).

(According to TTO)