After disregarding pleas from the police in Ferguson, Missouri, to restrict their protests to daylight hours, angry demonstrators took to the streets for a fourth night in a row in response to the police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown on Saturday.
The Ferguson Police Department expressed sympathy over the unarmed teen’s death, saying “police are working to restore confidence in the safety of our community and our neighborhoods so that we may begin the healing process.”
The city and the police department pledged to cooperate fully with local and federal investigations into the shooting.
“We ask that any groups wishing to assemble in prayer or in protest do so only during daylight hours in an organized and respectful manner,” the statement said. “We further ask all those wishing to demonstrate or assemble to disperse well before the evening hours to ensure the safety of the participants and the safety of our community.”
But early Wednesday evening a crowd gathered around a burned down gas station for another night of protesting. Officers set up barricades in an attempt to control the area, but when protesters refused to disperse and blocked a busy street, police moved in with tear gas and rubber bullets sending protesters running.
In the middle of the melee, Twitter started lighting up with messages of solidarity from Palestinians in Gaza, some of them sending advice for how to resist police or deal with the effects of tear gas.
Inas Safidi, whose Twitter profile says she lives in “Palestine,” began with a message of support for the protesters:
Revolution of #Ferguson, can't be prouder of these people who won't let their son's blood goes for nothing #MikeBrown
— Enas (@EnasAlsaffadi) August 14, 2014
https://twitter.com/InassSafadi/status/499750502435803136
Mariam Barghouti, who also says she’s from “Palestine,” offered both words of encouragement and practical advice for her comrades in Ferguson:
Solidarity with #Ferguson. Remember to not touch your face when teargassed or put water on it. Instead use milk or coke!
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
Always make sure to run against the wind /to keep calm when you're teargassed, the pain will pass, don't rub your eyes! #Ferguson Solidarity
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
I remember when I used to get teargassed, I used to just remind myself this pain will pass as to not collapse.It helps! #Palestine #Ferguson
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
Okay why are we surprised? This has happened before in America, it was just ignored by the media. It's not new. #Ferguson
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
#Ferguson looks like #Bahrain, looks like #Palestine, looks like #Egypt it looks like an injustice. It always looks the same. #Solidarity
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
Made in USA teargas canister was shot at us a few days ago in #Palestine by Israel, now they are used in #Ferguson. pic.twitter.com/y3co6DMFM6
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
It feels so weird using my experience from #Palestine and Israeli oppression to give advice to #Ferguson. Much love and solidarity!
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
What do you mean this is new? Suppression is what America is built on, it's built on the blood of others. This ain't new. #Ferguson
— مريم البرغوثي (@MariamBarghouti) August 14, 2014
One day, 7.5 million refugees will pack their bags and go back to their homes. One day, Zionism will disappear. +
— Rajai Abukhalil (@Rajaiabukhalil) August 14, 2014
Dear #Ferguson. The Tear Gas used against you was probably tested on us first by Israel. No worries, Stay Strong. Love, #Palestine
— Rajai Abukhalil (@Rajaiabukhalil) August 14, 2014
Don't Keep much distance from the Police, if you're close to them they can't tear Gas. To #Ferguson from #Palestine
— Rajai Abukhalil (@Rajaiabukhalil) August 14, 2014
It is always, the oppressed caring for the oppressed. No matter where in the world. #Palestine stands with #Ferguson
— Rajai Abukhalil (@Rajaiabukhalil) August 14, 2014
From #Ferguson to #Palestine the American government, military, and police fund genocide.
— Amy Diane Hart (@cheappoet) August 14, 2014
“@Faysalfacil: First picture is from #Ferguson the other are from #Palestine same struggle. Smh. http://t.co/vVa7GbqqXq” #FergusonRiot
— Fendi⚡️🖤⚡️Farrakhan (@domonogenesis) August 14, 2014
I told people out struggles were the same. From #Palestine to #Ferguson the oppressor is the same power.
— Dirty Mike & The Boys (@TheGoodSin) August 14, 2014
https://twitter.com/Kevinpmcrae/status/499765946412982273
So now, we have reports of the New Black Panthers on the ground in Ferguson, the Anonymous hacker group waging a cyber war on police, Occupy tactics being used to thwart authorities, and Hamas sympathizers tweeting their solidarity with the protesters — all before anyone really knows if the shooting was justified.
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