Clergy helped calm Ferguson

FERGUSON, Mo. – Community activism and the work of local clergy were lauded by law enforcement officials as the primary influences that led to the calming of protests here.

Missouri Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson said protesters remained orderly and police did not fire tear gas or seize any handguns overnight.

Johnson said six people were arrested — a change from the previous night when law enforcement arrested 47 local and out-of-town protesters.

"Tonight was a very good night," Johnson, who is overseeing security in Ferguson, told reporters.

Community elders and the clergy brought "a different dynamic" to the protests, Johnson said. "They walked, they talked with people," he said. "They urged order, calm and peace."

Violent clashes between police and protesters have plagued this suburban St. Louis town in the weeks since Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old black man.

Johnson thanked residents of the community and clergy members for their support.

On Wednesday, a grand jury began hearing evidence in the case of Wilson. Some critics in the community have assailed St. Louis County head prosecutor Robert McCulloch for not pressing charges against Wilson in the controversial case clouded in racial tensions.

Local elected officials and clergy have called for McCulloch's removal from the case, but Gov. Jay Nixon said Thursday he will not do so.

There was a brief confrontation Thursday when a Missouri couple arrived on W. Florissant Avenue with posters supporting Wilson. "People never hear the other side," said the woman, who would give only her first name, Dawn.

Dozens of protesters rushed toward the couple, prompting police to form a protective shield around them and escort them from the area.

"We'll be out here every night until we get justice," Tef Johnson, 27, shouted into a megaphone Thursday. Johnson wore a plain white T-shirt inked in black marker with the words "I am Mike Brown."