After a former St. Louis police officer was acquitted of murder on Friday, demonstrators took to the city’s streets to voice their anger and frustration.
But what started out as peaceful protests this weekend turned violent at night. Police officers were attacked and some businesses were vandalized. Dozens of arrests were made.
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, who had rocks thrown at her home according to police, blamed the trouble on a few and said most of the protesters were not violent.
“The days have been calm, but the nights have been destructive,” she said. “After the demonstrations, organizers announce that the daytime protests are over. But a group of agitators stay behind, apparently intent on breaking windows and destroying property. This is not acceptable.”
The unrest comes after former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley was acquitted in the death of 24-year-old Anthony Lamar Smith. Stockley, a white man, fatally shot Smith, a black man, after a police chase in December 2011. Following the verdict, protesters gathered outside the courthouse and marched through downtown St. Louis. Some held hands and prayed. Others chanted, “No justice, no peace!”
Police officers move to clear a St. Louis entertainment district on Sunday. Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Getty Images
Masked protesters run after vandalizing property on Sunday. Jeff Roberson/AP
Police arrest a man on Saturday. Jeff Roberson/AP
A man’s face is treated with milk after he was hit by police pepper spray on Saturday. Jeff Roberson/AP
Demonstrators protest near police on Saturday. Scott Olson/Getty Images
A demonstrator protests on Sunday. Scott Olson/Getty Images
A worker clears up broken glass after a business’ window was smashed on Saturday. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police detain a man on Sunday. Jeff Roberson/AP
Protesters march on Friday after the judge’s verdict. Jeff Roberson/AP
Produced by Brett Roegiers, Bernadette Tuazon and Kyle Almond
