St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger declared a state of emergency Monday, following protests to mark the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown’s death.
“The recent acts of violence will not be tolerated in a community that has worked so tirelessly over the last year to rebuild and become stronger. The time and investment in Ferguson and Dellwood will not be destroyed by a few that wish to violate the rights of others,” Stenger said in a statement posted by CBS’s local affiliate in St. Louis.
A man identified as Tyrone Harris, according to CNN, is in critical condition after being shot by the police late Sunday night. Authorities had previously said the man was armed and had opened fire on officers after approaching an unmarked police van, the AP reported.
Until Sunday evening, the protests over the weekend in Ferguson were mostly peaceful, according to the AP.
Stenger’s order puts St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar in charge of “the operation of police emergency management in the City of Ferguson and surrounding areas.”
“Chief Belmar shall exercise all powers and duties necessary to preserve order, prevent crimes, and protect the life and property of our citizens,” Monday’s statement said.
