Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon
Gov Jay Nixon arrived in St. Louis earlier today after he was informed this morning that the grand jury in the Michael Brown case had come to a decision. He is expected to begin his press conference momentarily.
Announcing of the decision itself will continue to be delayed until 8 PM CT local time, according to reports, a move apparently made while the state prepares itself for what authorities have clearly presumed will be substantial public reaction.
Protestors in #Ferguson, make sure to write down Jail Support number on your arm: 314-862-2249 #MikeBrown
— @ACLU
3:36 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Nixon is detailing the response the state and city have prepared for the decision. He will not announce the grand jury's decision.
3:37 PM PT (Joan McCarter): He called for "peace, respect, and restraint" after telling locals where they can go for assistance.
3:39 PM PT (Joan McCarter): St. Louis Co. Exec. Charlie Dooley again stresses that none of the officials speaking here what the decision will be. He is reiterating that protecting people and property--and free speech rights--is their intent.
3:40 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Dooley says "I do not want people [here] to think they have to barricade their doors or take up arms. We are not that kind of community."
3:42 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Mayor Francis Slay: "We will protect your right to peacefully assemble and speak your minds. [...] But turning violent and damagin property will not be tolerated."
3:44 PM PT (Joan McCarter): This is rather useless. Perhaps they felt that they all needed to present a responsible face to the public, but they're telling us essentially nothing that we haven't heard from them already over the past several days.
3:47 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Chief of St Louis Police Daniel Isom wraps up prepared remarks:
"Violence will set our progress back." It sure doesn't sound like they don't have any idea that a non-indictment is coming down.
3:48 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Nixon asked if the police will be using armored vehicles and excessive force. Says he won't go into tactical responses, but that police will do what is necessary to protect property. No word on how the intend to protect protestors.
3:49 PM PT (Joan McCarter):
As of 5 p.m., Darren Wilson had not received a phone call from the prosecutor's office asking him to turn himself in:
http://t.co/...
— @juliebosman
3:51 PM PT (Joan McCarter): Missouri officials are apparently incapable of learning. Or of decency.