Protesters Take To the Streets of Ferguson After Grand Jury Decision

Despite pleas for peace from Michael Brown’s family and President Barack Obama, violence broke out in parts of Ferguson, Missouri, following a grand jury decision to not indict Officer Darren Wilson.

Journalists on the scene reported “mayhem,” as several cars were destroyed and buildings were set on fire. According to CNN, several business were looted and protesters shut down Interstate 44. As CNN notes, most of the violence is contained in a few areas of Ferguson. The Associated Press reports St. Louis County police have used smoke and pepper spray on crowds at the Ferguson Police Department.

Police cars were vandalized and several gunshots were heard Monday night as crowds erupted in anger after the announcement that Officer Darren Wilson will not be indicted in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.

Some in the crowd reportedly tried to stop others from taking part in vandalism and other violence.

Here are some images and video of the scene in Ferguson tonight.

Protests also took place in other places across the country including California, New York, Chicago and in Washington, D.C., where demonstrators gathered in front of the White House.

Michael Brown’s mother, was escorted away from the Ferguson police department after the grand jury’s decision was delivered.

The New York Times has the full transcript of the grand jury’s proceedings, released by the county prosecutor, available here.