Some West Tennesseans fear possible Ferguson violence could spread
JACKSON, Tenn.— In a city just a four hours drive from Jackson, residents are preparing for possible riots once the Grand Jury assigned to the fatal officer involved shooting reach a decision on whether the officer should be indicted. Ferguson, Missouri saw months of race riots in August, when 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by officer Darren Wilson. Since then, police and protesters have been at odds, turning into violent situations at times. West Tennessee has not seen protests related to the incident yet. But as a decision looms, some fear that could change. “Regardless of how much they beg for things to go peacefully, there are going to be people out there who think it’s a black or white thing or it’s injustice,” Kimberlie Baker, of Jackson said Residents near the St. Louis city are preparing for possible riots, something some West Tennesseans say doesn’t make sense. “Let the law and the courts, and all of that do their job. How does rioting help anybody or anything?” Linda Burk of Jack’s Creek said. Burk said she doesn’t understand how the Grand Jury could be deliberating for so long. “What I’m afraid of is, that they may base their decision on what might happen,” Burk said. Jackson resident Gary Stewart said the jurors may be concerned about the riots starting after they announce the decision. “Having served on juries before, you always wonder about that but the only thing you can do is just do the best, serve the citizens right and see which choice is the way to go,” Stewart said. Baker and Stewart agree if protests and violence erupt in Ferguson, it could spill into West Tennessee. “It could easily influence anyone or give anyone a reason–who’s been chomping at the bit to do something anyway,” Baker said. Jackson resident, Jarodd Moore says he’s not concerned about any possible local outrage,” I’m not nervous about it, things happen.” The Grand Jury is set to reconvene Monday.
