Activists, authorities, family call for calm

Associated Press

FERGUSON, Mo.

Activists, authorities and the family of Michael Brown called for calm Friday as a grand jury drew closer to an announcement in the Ferguson police shooting. But it was unclear whether the panel was still at work or when it would render a decision.

Earlier in the day, a spokesman for St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch told reporters that jurors were reviewing evidence as they weigh whether to indict officer Darren Wilson.

Five hours later, Ed Magee declined to say whether the panel was still meeting. The time, date and place for a news conference announcing the decision has not been decided, Magee said.

Wilson, 28, reportedly told the grand jury that he feared for his life Aug. 9 as Brown, who was 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds, came at him. Witnesses said Brown was trying to surrender and had his hands up.

The shooting of an unarmed 18-year-old black man by a white police officer led to protests, some of which turned violent. Demonstrations have continued for more than three months, though the number of protesters has dwindled and violence has become uncommon.

The most emotional appeal for calm came from Brown’s father, Michael Brown Sr.

“Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer,” Brown said in a video released by the group STL Forward. “No matter what the grand jury decides, I don’t want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.”