Don’t Shoot Coalition Makes Preparations for Grand Jury Decision

ST. LOUIS – The Don’t Shoot Coalition in a news release announced its plans in response to the anticipated grand jury announcement concerning possible criminal charges against Ferguson officer Darren Wilson.

The coalition of approximately 50 local organizations formed in the wake of the police shooting of Michael Brown has been engaged in significant efforts with numerous community groups and leaders to plan for the anticipated announcement, the release says.

“If officer Wilson is not indicted, we will do our part to try to de-escalate violence without de-escalating action,” said Don’t Shoot co-chair Michael T. McPhearson, executive director of Veterans For Peace, in the release. “We are providing a number of supports to promote a peaceful response, but nothing will make a difference unless the police do their part by giving protesters adequate space. That’s the key to peaceful outcomes.”

In an effort to ensure community members are able to exercise their constitutional right to assemble in a safe and intimidation-free environment, Don’t Shoot members are attempting to negotiate three key elements to a safe police response, according to the release:

First, to come to agreement on rules of engagement for all involved police agencies to foremost value the safety of those protesting, including a de-militarized response (no armored vehicles, rubber bullets, rifles or tear gas). Second, to provide advance public notice of the date of the announcement of the grand jury’s decision so groups can prepare and direct people to productive actions. Finally, police must respect established sanctuary safe spaces as off-limits.

Throughout the protests since the shooting death of Brown, escalation has largely resulted from an intrusive police presence, the release says. When police have given protesters space and allowed for self-policing, the actions have remained peaceful.

“If we see violence, make no mistake, the responsibility for it lies with law enforcement,” said organizer and Don’t Shoot member Damon Davis. “Since the day they left Michael Brown’s body in the street for more than four hours, the government has failed to answer the cries of the public time and again. There has been no accountability or transparency. It’s wrong to show that kind of the disregard for people’s feelings and people react.”

In addition to negotiating the conditions of response to any uprisings, the Don’t Shoot Coalition is involved with providing an array of supports to protesters including jail support, trained de-escalators, safe spaces for conversation and counseling in area faith institutions, the release says. Coalition groups will take action throughout the St. Louis area as an effective non-violent means to advocate for change and encourage people in the region to participate.

MORE ON THIS STORY:

• Arrests Made During Ferguson Protest Wednesday Night
• Federal Judge Rules Against Ferguson ‘5-Second Rule’
• Don’t Shoot Coalition Makes Preparations for Grand Jury Decision
• McCulloch: Michael Brown Grand Jury Still Hearing Evidence
• Ferguson Residents Encouraged to Vote by Clergy, Michael Brown’s Family
• White House Weighs-In On Ferguson Airspace Ban