Protesters went back at it in Ferguson, Missouri on Wednesday, taking not just to the streets, but to the highway.
Hundreds attempted a human road block on Interstate 70 in St. Louis, hoping their demonstration would lead the governor to appoint a special prosecutor to the case of Michael Brown, the unarmed black teen who was shot and killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson one month ago.
While Missouri police quelled the crowd, a former member of Connecticut law enforcement spoke to another crowd. Retired Hartford Police Chief Daryl Roberts and other experts covered topics like police militarization, community policing and interracial relationships at a teach-in hosted by University of St. Joseph in West Hartford.
“Here's the problem with Ferguson, there's still not very much being told to the public,” said Roberts.
He wasn't surprised to hear of the flare-up in Ferguson on Wednesday night, and he wasn't alone.
“Most protesters probably feel more frustrated than anything else, but on the other hand, protest plays a role in lighting a fire under people to motivate them to take some positive steps,” said Dr. Ken Long, a professor of political science at the University of St. Joseph.
“We want to be able to learn, for our community to have that chance to discuss it before we're embroiled or to avoid ever being embroiled in such a very unfortunate situation,” said Pamela Trotman Reid, president of the university.
Police arrested several protesters advocating for Michael Brown, and ultimately avoided a highway shutdown.
The unrest continued as protesters relocated to downtown Ferguson.