Ferguson - US National Guard troops began deploying in Ferguson on Monday as the governor lifted a curfew imposed on the Missouri town after protests against the police shooting of an unarmed teenager.
“With these additional resources in place, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement will continue to respond appropriately to incidents of lawlessness and violence, and protect the civil rights of all peaceful citizens to make their voices heard,” Governor Jay Nixon said in a statement.
“We will not use a curfew tonight.”
About 10 National Guard personnel arrived at the unified command centre in this St Louis suburb where protests turned violent again overnight despite a midnight to 5 am curfew.
“The guard's immediate and limited responsibilities under the direction of Colonel Ron Replogle of the Missouri State Highway Patrol are to provide protection, and ensure the safety of our Unified Command Center, which was the target last night of a co-ordinated attack,” Nixon said.
“Again, I join the people of Ferguson, and all Missourians, in strongly condemning the violent acts we saw last night, including the firing upon law enforcement officers, the shooting of a civilian, the throwing of Molotov cocktails, looting and a coordinated attempt to overrun the unified Command Center,” he said. - Sapa-AFP