St. Louis Protest Unravels on Social Media

An unidentified white off-duty St. Louis police officer shot and killed an armed 18-year-old black man after the unidentified victim shot at the officer on Wednesday. The area is still recovering from the Michael Brown shooting, and it did not take long for a crowd to start a protest around the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Rock and shattered glass in the back of an @SLMPD vehicle from protesters about an hour ago pic.twitter.com/8PxSHxqotn

— Alex Halfmann (@halfmannal) October 9, 2014

Damage to police vehicle. @kmoxnews #shawshooting pic.twitter.com/v1PHcKN6Oi

— Michael Calhoun (@michaelcalhoun) October 9, 2014

The facts of the shooting are still unclear, but protesters decided it was the officer’s fault. However, ballistics prove “the teen fired three shots and tried to fire again but his gun jammed.” The police recovered the gun, but the victim’s family claims he was unarmed.

Sad to see the community coming together for another lost. 16 shots? These killer cops has got to go! #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/8BZNoeeWM1

— handsupunited (@handsupunited_) October 9, 2014

Another horror story unfolding. 16 shots for what? Another 18 years old killed by STL police #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/pgIK2NfKtG

— handsupunited (@handsupunited_) October 9, 2014

#ShawShooting area NOW #16times #16shots pic.twitter.com/hd9I7pM6sQ

— Charles Wade (@akacharleswade) October 9, 2014

Wouldn’t let a woman through to her car. They are also identifying protestors to grab it sounds like. #ShawShooting pic.twitter.com/os8YsutIaC

— Cassandra (@CassandraRules) October 9, 2014

officer talking to one of the more vocal protesters. Police did retreat 5-10 ft and are moving some cars #occupyshaw pic.twitter.com/mE6hipOQuy

— Alex Halfmann (@halfmannal) October 9, 2014

Protesters of all move to the sidewalk between Shaw and the 44 exit #occupyshaw pic.twitter.com/AO5d5YFaO3

— Alex Halfmann (@halfmannal) October 9, 2014

St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson said the officer is a six-year veteran with the department. He also said the officer did not open fire before being shot at because “he wanted to be certain it was a gun.” There will be an investigation into the shooting. Dotson told the media the victim “was no stranger to law enforcement.”