Police ask for end to nighttime protests in Ferguson

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — The police department in a St. Louis suburb where a man was shot and killed by a police officer is asking protesters to gather only during daylight.

Ferguson has been the site of nightly protests and unrest since 18-year-old Michael Brownwas killed during a confrontation with an officer on Saturday.

In a news release issued today, the department asked that all people who assemble to pray or protest do so in “an organized and respectful” manner and disperse well before evening to ensure the safety of participants and the community.

The release blames the previous violence on people who transformed peaceful protests into violent demonstrations, which police say is not indicative of the city or its residents.