After giving multiple warnings, police fired smoke and tear gas into protesters in Ferguson to enforce the midnight curfew.
#Ferguson pic.twitter.com/OtpEuJZjFB
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) August 17, 2014
The police liaison initially claimed officers fired only smoke. But several reporters said tear gas was used, and pictures of canisters showed tear gas, also known as CS smoke, was indeed deployed.*
At first, police moved in and demanded protesters disperse in "a peaceful manner." Over the loudspeakers, police said, "Failure to comply will result in arrest and/or other actions."
#Ferguson growing tension conflict coming https://t.co/MpYfSucy2v
— David Carson (@PDPJ) August 17, 2014
Police began slowly moving forward.
Police moving forward very slowly #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/bpu5aIGYg1
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) August 17, 2014
Some reporters pointed out the crowd is ethnically diverse.
Many of the protesters that are still here are white #Ferguson
— Alice Speri (@alicesperi) August 17, 2014
*Update: Added a note about the conflicting reports of tear gas and smoke.
