Police chief, residents react to Ferguson grand jury decision, riots

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The reaction continues in the Port City following a grand jury’s decision not to indict a police officer accused of shooting and killing an 18-year-old black man in Ferguson, MO. The decision sparked a night of violence in the city, and that too has people talking.

A protest is set to take place Tuesday evening at the 1898 Monument and Memorial Park in Downtown Wilmington. Prior to that event, and in the minutes following the decision Monday night, social media posts from across the country flooded computers and smart phones. Wilmington native Duane Drummond says those posts offered vast and immediate coverage from all perspectives.

“It was interesting to see the same things and actually feel like I’m in the same space as these people experiencing these dramatic things,” Drummond said.

Videos show different views from different parts of the country. One video shows the viewpoint of a protestor in front of a SWAT team; another video shows the destruction of a business, with its owner standing in the middle of his store, devastated. Other videos show peaceful protests, even as close as UNC-Chapel Hill. Others from New York City show protestors comparing the events in Ferguson to the KKK.

“That’s scary and sad, especially to know that police officers are being viewed as the KKK because they don’t protect people of color. That makes me uncomfortable. It makes me worried about my own safety. Even here in Wilmington,” Drummond said.

Law enforcement members in the area are also reacting to Monday’s events.

“This is a crucial time in our country’s history; the fabric of trust continues to be torn between law enforcement and minority communities near and far,” Chief Ralph Evangelous said. “It is my hope that we learn from this divisive period of time and become better citizens and law enforcement officers. I am committed to working towards greater police community relations and ensuring that every individual in our community receives fair and equal treatment as we provide safety and peace in Wilmington.”