Feds tell Ferguson Police to stop wearing "I am Darren Wilson" bracelets

The US Department of Justice on Friday told the Ferguson, Missouri, Police Department to order its officers to stop wearing bracelets in support of Darren Wilson, the Ferguson cop who shot and killed unarmed black 18-year-old Michael Brown on August 9, Reuters reported.

Ferguson residents reported police officers wearing "I am Darren Wilson" bracelets during protests in the St. Louis suburb. The bracelets "upset and agitated" demonstrators and "reinforce the very 'us versus them' mentality that many residents of Ferguson believe exists," according to the Justice Department letter reviewed by Reuters.

Images of a police officer wearing the bracelets spread widely on social media earlier in the week, according to Talking Points Memo.

Protesters in Ferguson first took to the streets in August to demonstrate against the Brown shooting, which many saw as representative of police discrimination against the local black community. The situation calmed down for most of September, but the protests picked up in intensity again this past week after a Brown memorial near the site of the shooting burned down and Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson issued an apology video that many demonstrators perceived as too little, too late.

We have a request

Vox's journalism is free because we believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, consumers and stewards of this planet. In short, understanding benefits everyone. You can join in on this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Reader support helps keep our work free, for everyone. Will you join us?

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $120/year

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via