As the world watched last night's shocking events unfold as protestors were tear gassed, including children and media, with one press member’s life threatened, surprise and outrage spread like wildfire over social media. Today saw the curfew in Ferguson lifted, the deployment of the national guard to the area, and visits from J.Cole and Nelly who took the time to march with protesters. Additionally, President Obama spoke about Ferguson, again, causing another social media storm.Â
The Complex News team has been reporting on the ground in Ferguson for the past week providing live updates via social media. Here is an up-to-the-minute Twitter timeline of today’s events in Ferguson.
I can't even begin to describe tear gas. Imagine burning styrofoam, plastic, and cayenne pepper turned into gas that floats in air unseen.
— Sean Stout (@TERROREYEStv) August 19, 2014
I mean, even Don Lemon is expressing similar sentiments.
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
Clearly something happened further down the street where the police took heavier action. They prevented people from traveling down there.
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
I did see a mixed group of peaceful protestors. Continuing to chant and hold signs. Did see a couple agitators, but were silenced by crowd
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
People keep saying "these thugs." I didn't see any "Thugs" where we were.
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
We made it out safe tonight. Conflict appears to be over. Heading back to hotel to edit video/ photos which will be posted tomorrow.
— Sean Stout (@TERROREYEStv) August 19, 2014
And if it wasn't intentional, that points to poor training & decision making. They don't know how to use the weapons they have #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
But it's taken place again. Removing both groups from the area, violating human rights #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
I'd like to think that gassing press and peaceful protestors wasn't part of the game plan. #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
How is this okay? How can this use of force be justified? I want to go home. Which is sad, because the residents of Ferguson are home.
— Sean Stout (@TERROREYEStv) August 19, 2014
Most protesters have dispersed due to gas hanging heavy in the air. Conflict reportedly moved to Canfield neighborhood
— Sean Stout (@TERROREYEStv) August 19, 2014
Ron Johnson can't speak on this with any factual foundation. What he's told ppl would happen, has not #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
Then something popped off all the way down by the QuikTrip and it was a wrap. They were on attack mode and it never stopped. #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
I thought things were gonna go better when I saw leaders on bullhorns serving as messengers for the crowd. #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
Where we were at, I saw a small crowd of protestors. Any agitator in that small crowd was checked by other members. #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
Craziest thing is that tear gas is like a diet weapon. They have way more powerful options. #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
I think this will be the tactics every night until the public (peaceful or violent) gives up. I dunno #ferguson
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 19, 2014
Unprovoked acts of aggression by the police YET AGAIN.
— NeLLnOtHiNG (@NeLLnOtHiNg) August 19, 2014
It's as if they want somebody to do something.
— Damien Scott (@thisisdscott) August 19, 2014
At this point it's just the cops agitating the people for absolutely no reason.
— NeLLnOtHiNG (@NeLLnOtHiNg) August 19, 2014
Police truck pulls up, cops jump off and point guns at crowd unprovoked.
— Damien Scott (@thisisdscott) August 19, 2014
Peacekeepers are telling people to go home. Man responds, "How we gonna go home? They blocked all the streets."
— Damien Scott (@thisisdscott) August 19, 2014
Police just rushed forward on crowd out line then retreated. Guns drawn.
— Sean Stout (@TERROREYEStv) August 19, 2014
It's crazy. Every time the police say something is allowed, they renege on their words. They're now standing in the way of protestors.
— Brandon Jinx Jenkins (@Jersey_Jinx) August 18, 2014
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