Ferguson Has Turned Violent Again, One Year Later

One year after the death of Michael Brown, Ferguson protests have turned violent again, as demonstrators and police in riot gear took to the streets Sunday night. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, multiple shots were fired during a peaceful protest to commemorate the killing of the unarmed black teenager last August. The events have produced a sad bookend to what has been a tense year, filled with questions of police brutality and race relations. (Ed. Note: Check out our updates page for the latest on the Ferguson protest shooting.)

According to the Associated Press, shots rang out around 11:15 p.m. local time, forcing crowds of protesters to duck and run for cover. Authorities have warned people to avoid the areas of Ferguson and West Florissant Avenues, though it is not immediately clear whether anyone has been injured. KSDK reporter Casey Nolan tweeted that one person was shot and taken to a nearby hospital. The source of those shots is unknown, but the chaotic scene once again resulted in looted businesses, according to Fox 2 News. Militarized police and helicopters were seen attempting to disperse crowds.

The scene is eerily similar to what took place last year shortly after a grand jury failed to indict Officer Darren Wilson, who is white, for fatally shooting the 18-year-old.