Expansion of Ferguson Protests to Dozens of Cities in the U.S.

One day after the acquittal of the police officer who shot and killed an 18-year-old Black man in Ferguson, Missouri, protesters against this ruling took to the streets on Tuesday, December 4, in dozens of cities across the U.S., including Washington, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. In some cities, protesters blocked bridges, tunnels, and highways. According to CNN, the demonstrations in most cities were peaceful. Following the unrest on Monday in Ferguson, more than 2,200 National Guard troops were deployed in the city and surrounding areas on Tuesday. The Guardian reported on Wednesday that hundreds of National Guard soldiers were leaving Ferguson and being replaced by police forces. The street protests in Ferguson began after the acquittal of the police officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown last August with 12 bullets. According to police, several buildings were set on fire during the unrest on Monday in Ferguson. During these protests, police arrested over 60 people on charges such as theft and possession of illegal weapons. Reuters reported that the Ferguson police stated that the number of protesters on Tuesday was lower, and police had more control over the situation. The Ferguson police added that 44 people were arrested on Tuesday, and one police vehicle was set on fire. U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the violence, calling the acts of vandalism a crime, and called for dialogue.