Protests erupt in St. Louis after ex-cop acquitted in black motorist’s death

Protesters took to the streets of St. Louis on Friday after a white former police officer was acquitted of murder charges in the shooting of black man.

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens (R) put the state’s National Guard on standby on Thursday in anticipation of potential protests after the verdict was announced. In a statement Friday, Greitens urged protesters to remain peaceful.

“I’m committed to protecting everyone’s constitutional right to protest peacefully, while also protecting people’s lives, homes, and communities,” he said. “For anyone who protests, please do so peacefully.”

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Former St. Louis Police officer Jason Stockley had been charged with murder after he shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith after a car chase in 2011. Prosecutors also accused Stockley of planting a gun in Smith’s vehicle.

According a probable cause statement, Stockley said during the pursuit that he was “going to kill this motherf***er, don’t you know it.” After Smith was stopped, Stockley walked up to the driver’s side window of the car and fired five shots at the man. 

Judge Timothy Wilson acquitted Stockley on Friday, writing in his decision that prosecutors had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Stockley did not act in self-defense.

After the verdict was announced, protesters streamed into downtown St. Louis, where they chanted, waved signs and blocked off traffic in a show of disappointment and outrage.

Thirteen people were arrested during the protests in downtown St. Louis, CNN reported.

A perfect banner in St. Louis #JasonStockley pic.twitter.com/391nBEEl1r

— Jemisha Johnson (@jemisha_johnson) September 15, 2017

People shouting “Shut it Down”in St. Louis at the intersection of Tucker and Market outside of the courthouse. #JasonStockley ruling. pic.twitter.com/A4bzXLn3FP

— Amicia Ramsey (@AmiciaKMPH) September 15, 2017

Thousands of Angry Protesters have convened on the City Hall Steps and streets downtown St Louis #JasonStockley pic.twitter.com/CSseqE1Wf5

— Dr J A Salaam (@drjasalaam) September 15, 2017

Video posted to social media showed police officers in riot gear responding to the demonstrations. Other reports said that police had used pepper spray on protesters.

St. Louis Police doing a bang up job improving their imagepic.twitter.com/VTnOneqhbO

— jordan (@JordanUhl) September 15, 2017

Police said that protesters had thrown rocks and water bottles during the protests, but that officers had “used great restraint.”

Rocks & water bottles have been thrown at our officers throughout the day. Officers used great restraint. #STLVerdict pic.twitter.com/LIl2OxKhcO

— St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) September 15, 2017