Friend of Michael Brown, key figure in the 'hands up, don't shoot' movement, succumbs to gunshot wounds in Ferguson
In the small town of Ferguson, Missouri, memories of the past have resurfaced once again, this time surrounding the death of Dorian Johnson, a friend of Michael Brown who was with him during the 2014 officer-involved shooting.
Johnson's account of Michael Brown's death helped inspire the "hands up, don't shoot" protest chant in 2014, a symbol of nationwide protests over police practices that followed Brown's killing. However, the details of Johnson's actions before his death have been called into question in subsequent investigations.
On Sunday, Johnson was shot dead. The Ferguson Police Department clarified that no officers were involved in the incident other than to begin the investigation. Ferguson Police spokesperson Patricia Washington confirmed that one person is being held in custody in connection with Johnson's death.
The shooting of Dorian Johnson has reverberated memories of the Ferguson incident from 2014. Johnson was with Michael Brown during the officer-involved shooting on Canfield Drive, Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. Michael Brown, who was unarmed during the incident, was shot by Darren Wilson, a White police officer. Wilson claimed he shot Brown in self-defense as Brown charged at him.
However, the Justice Department investigation found that other witnesses gave varying accounts of Brown's actions, including balling up his fists and pulling up his pants. Johnson asserted that during a confrontation through the driver's side window of the police car, Brown was shot in the hand.
The "hands up, don't shoot" chant was sparked by Johnson's version of events. However, this assertion has been contested. Johnson's account has been a subject of debate since the incident, with some questioning the accuracy of his statements.
The Ferguson Police Department issued a statement regarding Johnson's death, expressing their condolences and reiterating their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
The investigation into Johnson's death is still active. As of now, there is no publicly available information indicating that anyone has been arrested in connection with the murder of Dorian Johnson.
The death of Dorian Johnson comes at a time when the Ferguson Police Department is still grappling with the aftermath of the 2014 incident. Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle stated that Michael Brown's killing continues to affect the department and its approach. In response, the department has increased its African American representation on the force, with roughly 50% of officers being African American compared to fewer than five out of the approximately 60 officers employed in 2014. Officers have also received training on implicit bias and the use of force.
The Justice Department concluded that the Ferguson Police Department and the city's municipal court engaged in a pattern and practice of discrimination against Black residents in a separate civil rights inquiry. The shooting of Dorian Johnson, while not involving a police officer, serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues of racial bias and police practices in Ferguson.
The community in Ferguson is left to grapple with these issues once again, as they mourn the loss of another resident connected to the 2014 incident. The investigation into Dorian Johnson's death continues, and the community awaits answers and justice.
