JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard in advance of a grand jury decision about whether white police Officer Darren Wilson will be charged in the fatal shooting of black 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9.
There is no specific date for a decision.
Nixon said Monday the National Guard would assist state and local police.
From Boston to Los Angeles, police departments are bracing for large demonstrations. In Boston, police leaders met privately to discuss preparations. In Los Angeles, police officials say they’ve been in touch with their counterparts in Missouri. In Las Vegas, police joined pastors and other community leaders to call for restraint. Other cities, such as Albuquerque and Philadelphia, are expecting demonstrations.
