Amid changed atmosphere, protesters on both sides gather in Ferguson
FERGUSON, Mo. - The police response to protesters in Ferguson has the White House ordering a review Saturday night of how local police are using surplus military equipment provided by the federal government.
Attorney General Eric Holder says militarized equipment given to local law enforcement was supposed to be used for counterterrorism operations.
There were no arrests Friday night, but demonstrators on both sides continue demanding justice.
The face of protests in Ferguson is changing, with organized demonstrations and a more diverse crowd. In oppressive, 100-dgree heat, more than 200 demonstrators gathered for a rally Saturday afternoon. They were led by children in a silent march down West Florissant Avenue, the site of so much violence just days ago.
"For years during the civil rights movement it was a question of, 'Can I get in this college to go to Harvard?'" said demonstrator John Gaskin. "Now we have black men in America and the question is, 'Can you stay alive to get into Harvard?'"
At the head of the marchers were Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the police chief of Louis County.
Highlight the concerns about law enforcement's insensitivity to the community is a video that show St. Louis County police officer Dan Page in a speech in April, boasting about his ease with shooting people.
"They say you're an extremist, I say amen. I'm real good with a rifle. My best shot is 1,875 meters. Got me a gold star on that one. You run from me, you're going to die tired," he said.
Page, who was assigned to patrol the Ferguson protests, was suspended Friday.
Also Saturday afternoon, there was a show of solidarity for Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown.
"I think he's been crucified. He's been accused of being guilty before a trial. That's not the American way," said one Wilson supporter.
About 200 people gathered in downtown St. Louis, amid honking and cheering.
Another peace rally is planned for Sunday. Brown's family is expected to attend, as well as the parents of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teenager gunned down by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Florida. Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder in that case.
Brown's funeral is scheduled for Monday.