On 9 Aug. 2014, 17-year-old Michael Brown was shot by Officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown, accompanied by friend Dorian Johnson, had reportedly stolen a box of cigarillos and shoved a store clerk at a local convenience store. Just a few minutes prior to Brown and Johnson leaving the store, a “stealing in progress” was reported.

Brown and Johnson were stopped in the street by Wilson. There was a struggle between the two, where Wilson fired his gun twice, missing Brown once, but grazing his thumb with the other.

Brown and Johnson ran away, while Wilson left his car and pursued the two. Both boys were unarmed. Wilson fired his gun several more times, with at least six of the bullets striking Brown, fatally wounding him. Brown died at the scene. His body remained in the street for almost four hours. More police officers, along with detectives and a forensics investigator, were all notified and went to the scene.

A lot of speculation has surrounded whether or not racism was involved in the death of Michael Brown, who was African-American. A federal investigation took place in the Ferguson police force to see if the officers showed any excessive force or arrests towards people of color.

On 1 Dec. 2014, United States President Barack Obama stated that body cameras will be given to all police officers as a result of this recent shooting.

All over the country, the shooting has sparked protests and anger over Brown’s death, along with looting and vandalism. Many believe that Brown had been surrendering due to the evidence that Brown began moving towards Wilson after being shot several times. Along with this belief, many also think that Brown’s death resulted from racial tensions between the largely black population and majority-white police officers.

The shooting has received a flood of attention from all around the United States. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still in question. The case was brought to the grand jury, however on 24 Nov. 2014, the Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis Country, Robert McCulloch announced in a press conference that Wilson would not be indicted for the death of Brown.

Annabelle Dunbar, Staff Writer

Sophomore Annabelle Dunbar is a staff writer for the 2014-2015 Colonel. She is on the cheer leading team and writes her own films.