The protests and violence in Ferguson, Missouri following an unarmed teen’s killing by a cop have started a national debate over police and power. After a week of anger and violence, President Obama is signaling a push for peace.
Last night’s protests marked some of the fiercest clashes yet between police and protesters. In some places, officials reported gunfire and Molotov cocktails used against police. Police advanced in armored tanks and shot tear gas to break up crowds.
It’s a scene that makes more sense in a war zone than in a suburb of Saint Louis. The armored tanks and military style weapons are a big part of that. In Charlotte, we’ve seen CMPD in full riot gear on the streets of Charlotte before. We’ve seen them during a SWAT situation in east Charlotte. The Occupy Charlotte movement, during NC protests. And who can forget the riots in uptown Charlotte on the Fourth of July in 2006.
CMPD tells WCCB they have strict rules about tactical force. So our Question of the Night: Do local police need tanks and tear gas? Our Man on the Edge, Robert Wilder, hit the peaceful streets of uptown Charlotte to ask around…
