After chaos broke out in Ferguson, Missouri on Sunday evening, CNN anchor Don Lemon said he felt safe because he was close to the strong police presence.
“But right now I feel safe because we have so much presence. And the police officers are right across the street,” he said after the scene calmed down a bit, noting that those who are causing trouble had been pushed back into the neighborhoods.
Lemon said he has been carrying around a gas mask and even a helmet for protection.
“So if someone throws something this goes on me immediately,” he said. “You may look silly but this is to protect our head from rubber bullets or whatever someone may be throwing.”
Mainstream media journalists have been blasting the militarization of local police forces, but they realized during the chaos that there are times when a stronger police presence may be needed. CNN’s Brian Stelter reported that one news crew even had their own private security. Police also arrested three journalists and reported to shoot a videographer during the chaos.
Rioters looted multiple stores throughout Ferguson and even reportedly fired at police, forcing the stronger response. They also hurled rocks–and epithets–at police throughout the night. Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson said rioters engaged in “premeditated criminal acts designed to damage property, hurt people, provoke a response.” After instituting another midnight curfew, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon (D) order the National Guard to Ferguson on Monday.
Here are some scenes from the chaos:
#Ferguson live video feed would be a lot easier to understand with a map. So I made a quick map w/ what I can gather pic.twitter.com/3JIXDTwGjH
— Travis Hughes (@TravisSBN) August 18, 2014
#ferguson https://t.co/24NK9hWts6
— Alex Wroblewski (@alexwroblewski) August 18, 2014
Young African american man was just loaded into ambulance in #ferguson on west Florissant witnesses say he was shot pic.twitter.com/6bX4h5ovrS
— Molly Hennessy-Fiske (@mollyhf) August 18, 2014
Protestors flee scene after marching toward police command center, tear gas flying in #Ferguson #MikeBrown pic.twitter.com/Vvt9meysRe
— Robert Cohen (@kodacohen) August 18, 2014
Woman in wheelchair speeding away from gas #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/rWfL0v3Jj7
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 18, 2014
Older guy begs younger to stop breaking bricks to throw. He carries on #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/vFrKmuW2AS
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 18, 2014
People throwing a few bottles at cops here. pic.twitter.com/tx2kgqwgAv
— jg (@JustinGlawe) August 18, 2014
Cassandra Roberts gassed, helped by strangers in #Ferguson #MikeBrown pic.twitter.com/wfvVHN4KZ4
— Robert Cohen (@kodacohen) August 18, 2014
Gas being thrown back. #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/qppHbrwk9h
— The Tech CEO (@TheTechCEO) August 18, 2014
Ferguson explodes again as police clash with protesters http://t.co/9l0PSMFCEP Photo: Joe Raedle–Getty Images pic.twitter.com/p1I8bKqt6G
— TIME.com (@TIME) August 18, 2014
What in the hell … pregnant young woman putting on a gas mask? pic.twitter.com/rLDuRplklZ
— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) August 18, 2014
They just looted the McDonalds by me! #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/wg6H1nTA1Y
— The Tech CEO (@TheTechCEO) August 18, 2014
People leave McDonald’s after taking refuge from tear gas (AP), and more photos from #Ferguson http://t.co/jM6NhIIFfJ pic.twitter.com/hAjihswmeI
— Chelsea Matiash (@cmatiash) August 18, 2014
McDonalds windows smashed in ferguson. People and staff inside pic.twitter.com/wBYqcLwqsa
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 18, 2014
Guy just threw back a gas grenade, got a round of applause #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/4zHEXOesrk
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 18, 2014
Protestors escape tear gas,break window at McDonald’s. No looting.#Ferguson #MikeBrown pic.twitter.com/KfA16jeKqO
— Robert Cohen (@kodacohen) August 18, 2014
Confirmed: Police have the fire at the Dellwood Market on Chambers Rd. under control. Extent of damage unknown. #Ferguson
— KSDK NewsChannel 5 (@ksdknews) August 18, 2014
Looting in #Ferguson #FergusonRiot Dellwood Market pic.twitter.com/MS1XgYzZFV
— Paulina Leonovich (@Polly_evro) August 18, 2014
Shots fired at W. Florissant and Chambers.
— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) August 18, 2014
Molotov cocktails being thrown at police. Tactical units on scene. Please leave the area!
— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) August 18, 2014
We are receiving multiple calls for shots fired in the area of W. Florissant and Canfield. Please watch your surroundings and be safe.
— St. Louis County PD (@stlcountypd) August 18, 2014
We’ve negotiated a stay. Still here just a little farther back. The standoff is still happening. #Ferguson
— Amy K. Nelson (@AmyKNelson) August 18, 2014
Women carrying their babies back up street saying cops fired tear gas. There were lots of kids in that crowd. Helicopter flies above.
— Amy K. Nelson (@AmyKNelson) August 18, 2014
just found @antoniofrench and took refuge in his car for. moment. the tear gas is relentless. just brutal.
— Amy K. Nelson (@AmyKNelson) August 18, 2014
Video clip of threat to press livestream cameraman to shoot him & officer who intervenes #Ferguson http://t.co/yUPcwVvn8C
— Ross McLean (@RossMcleanSec) August 18, 2014
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