Ferguson’s streets are quieter

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Some protesters returned to the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, Wednesday evening but in smaller numbers. They marched around a single block as a thunderstorm filled the sky with lightning and dumped rain. Police still stood guard, but many wore regular uniforms rather than riot gear.

Meanwhile, a grand jury has begun hearing evidence to determine whether a white police officer should be charged in the shooting death of a black 18-year-old. A spokesman for a St. Louis County prosecutor says there’s no timeline for the process, but it could take weeks.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visited Ferguson, where he sought to reassure people about the investigation into Michael Brown’s death. Holder said he understands why many black Americans do not trust police, recalling how he himself was repeatedly stopped by officers who seemed to target him because of his race.

Holder also met with federal officials investigating Brown’s death and with Brown’s parents.

The Justice Department has mounted an unusually swift and aggressive response to Brown’s death, conducting an independent autopsy and sending dozens of FBI agents to Ferguson in search of witnesses to the shooting.

273-w-31-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with sound of marchers)–It’s another night of protests in Ferguson, Missouri over the police shooting death of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown, only on this night, there was a pro-police demonstration as well. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. (20 Aug 2014)

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268-r-20-(Sound of protesters in Ferguson, Mo., marching and chanting “What’s his name? Mike Brown”)–Sound of protesters in Ferguson, Missouri marching and chanting “What’s his name? Mike Brown.” (20 Aug 2014)

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267-r-12-(Sound of protesters in Ferguson, Mo., chanting “justice, justice”)–Sound of protesters in Ferguson, Missouri chanting “justice, justice.” Updated: 08/20/2014-10:29:05 PM ET (20 Aug 2014)

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266-r-11-(Sound of protesters in Ferguson, Mo., arguing with police who are trying to keep them moving)–Sound of protesters in Ferguson, Missouri arguing with police who are trying to keep them moving. Updated: 08/20/2014-10:29:05 PM ET (20 Aug 2014)

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265-r-14-(Sound of police in Ferguson, Mo., trying to keep protesters from congregating in one spot Wednesday night)–Sound of police in Ferguson, Missouri trying to keep protesters from congregating in one spot Wednesday night. Updated: 08/20/2014-10:29:05 PM ET (20 Aug 2014)

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240-w-38-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder)–The U.S. Attorney General has told community leaders in Ferguson, Missouri, that he has assigned the federal government’s “most experienced agents and prosecutors” to investigate the police shooting of Michael Brown. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. (20 Aug 2014)

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241-v-31-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent)–Police say an officer who was part of the effort to keep peace during protests in Ferguson Tuesday night has been suspended for pointing a semi-automatic assault rifle at demonstrators and threatening them. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. Updated: 08/20/2014-07:32:06 PM ET (20 Aug 2014)

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Meanwhile, Brown’s funeral arrangements were set. Services will be Monday.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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