We respect right of lawful assembly but urge non-violence. Please keep this in mind. #peacefulprotest
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) November 25, 2014
Protesters marched on the Massachusetts State House, while many Boston students organized on college campuses across the city late Monday night, following a Grand Jury’s decision to decline to indict white police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, in Ferguson, Missouri last August.
Ferguson, meanwhile, like it was in the immediate aftermath of the August shooting, has been declared a No Fly Zone, as law enforcement officials and National Guard troops clash with protesters; tear gas has been fired into crowds, roads have been closed and stores have purportedly been vandalized.
But #PeacefulProtest seems to be the mantra of organizers in Boston – and elsewhere. Reports suggest crowds that have gathered around the city have done so non-violently. And state police are supporting their right to do so, while also extending thoughts and prayers to the people of Ferguson.
My thoughts go out to everyone in #Ferguson tonight. #Peace is the answer. Violence will not solve anything. #PrayingForPeaceInFerguson
— Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) November 25, 2014
Approx 20 protesters have walked from Boston City Hall to the State House. Again, we respect right of lawful assembly, but urge non-violence
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) November 25, 2014
There is a small group of protesters at the State House. We respect lawful assembly, but violence has no positive results. #peacefulprotest
— Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) November 25, 2014
"Hands up don't shoot" "Black lives matter" Protest in Boston at the State House #JusticeForMikeBrown pic.twitter.com/JI6KG5UXHH
— Andrea Van Grinsven (@ahvangrinsven) November 25, 2014
Protestors speak out in front of state house in Boston #Ferguson @WEBNBoston pic.twitter.com/yxiWg8CLE8
— Amelia Fabiano (@amelia_fabiano) November 25, 2014
Protests outside Mass. State House in Boston via @susantran #Ferguson #Mapoli pic.twitter.com/OvaWs6S9PE
— Garrett Quinn (@GarrettQuinn) November 25, 2014
WCVB’s John Atwater, tweeting from the scene, reported earlier that the crowd gathered outside the State House on Beacon Hill held a four-and-a-half minute moment of silence, shortly before midnight Tuesday.
4 1/2 minutes of silence in front of Massachusetts state house in wake of #Ferguson decision. #WCVB pic.twitter.com/AMgoMvOtLD
— John Atwater (@AtwaterWCVB) November 25, 2014
Atwater also reported that protesting Simmons College students were joined by Suffolk University students.
Simmons College students organized this protest after #Ferguson decision. Joined by Suffolk University students #wcvb pic.twitter.com/Afv4Oca44l
— John Atwater (@AtwaterWCVB) November 25, 2014
Michael Keefe tipped his cap to the those who organized at Boston College, tweeting he was “proud of BC tonight” for protesting peacefully.
Peaceful and positive protests at Boston College, proud of BC tonight #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/4mhrzxuFme
— Michael Keefe (@keefe_27) November 25, 2014
Earlier, shortly after news spread of the St. Louis Grand Jury’s decision, multiple tweets were posted about a planned rally outside of the Boston police station in Roxbury at 7 p.m. Tuesday night.
#IndictAmerica #IndictBoston rally tomorrow, Tues. at 7pm at #Boston Police Station https://t.co/aDthuF63Y7 #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/d1fOLGXBp0
— Eli Gerzon (@eligerzon) November 25, 2014
#TurnUpforMikeBrown B2 Boston Police Station — Dudley Square, 2400 Washington St, Boston, MA 02119, Tue @ 7pm #Ferguson #IndictAmerica
— Katrina Galore (@katrinagalore) November 25, 2014
PROTEST TOMORROW – BOSTON POLICE STATION, Dudley, 7PM. Here's the Facebook page. https://t.co/H0YdyrR3St
— Amina (@aminaaaaaaaaa_) November 25, 2014
It’s unclear what the outcome of these protests will be, but two powerful images – one from New York City’s Times Square, and one from Ferguson – deliver the same message: Peace.
"Hands up, don't shoot!" Hundreds of people taking to the streets of NYC tonight. #FergusonDecision pic.twitter.com/SQ3xfg0ilq
— Jenna Pope (@JennaBPope) November 25, 2014
#Ferguson: What may become an iconic moment. One man stands with his hands up blocking armored vehicles. @ksdknews pic.twitter.com/ieOIQVooNu
— Russ Ptacek Reports (@RussPtacek) November 25, 2014