Ferguson, Mo. police Chief Tom Jackson said Tuesday that his department is investigating whether the stepfather of Michael Brown intended to incite a riot after a grand jury decided not to indict the white police officer who fatally shot the unarmed teenager.
The New York Times had published video last week that showed Brown’s stepfather, Louis Head, consoling Brown’s weeping mother, Lesley McSpadden, before turning to the crowd around him and yelling “Burn this motherfucker down! Burn this bitch down!”
About 25 structures in Ferguson, including at least 14 businesses, were set ablaze in the widespread unrest that followed the announcement.
Jackson said police have been interviewing people who were with Head the night the grand jury decision was announced and intend to speak with Head himself soon, according to CNN. No charges have been filed.
The news outlet had not reached Head for comment.