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After almost a week, police chief Thomas Jackson has identified Darren Wilson as the officer who
fatally shot unarmed, black teen Michael Brown on Aug. 9 in Ferguson, Missouri.
Jackson also announced the department would be releasing video of a robbery that took place in the area. He outlined events that took place beginning at 11 a.m. the day of the shooting.
Although
Jackson initially said the name would be released on Tuesday, the police department
later announced they would not be releasing the officer's name out of fear for his safety.
Julie Bosman, a correspondent for The New York Times said Wilson is a 6-year veteran of the force with no history of disciplinary action.
The nation has erupted in outrage and taken to the streets in both peaceful and violent protests since the fatal confrontation. For days,
images coming out of the St. Louis suburb presented a harrowing picture of unrest as
police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters and placed
demonstrators and journalists under arrest. The climate has since changed drastically after
President Obama condemned the authorities use of excessive force and Missouri Gov.
Jay Nixon (D) called in the state's highway patrol to take over supervision of the suburb.
Police said Brown, 18, was shot multiple times Saturday after being confronted by a white officer. The FBI
opened an investigation into Brown's death on Monday. Authorities initially offered vague details about the confrontation but said the officer involved had been placed on administrative leave.
