The real reason Ferguson has military weapons

Kara Dansky
Updated 6:03 PM EDT, Tue August 19, 2014
Protesters march in Ferguson, Missouri, on Thursday, August 21 2014. The St. Louis suburb saw turmoil after a white police officer, Darren Wilson, fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, on August 9, 2014. Some protesters and law enforcement officers clashed in the streets, leading to injuries and arrests.
Protesters march in Ferguson, Missouri, on Thursday, August 21 2014. The St. Louis suburb saw turmoil after a white police officer, Darren Wilson, fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, on August 9, 2014. Some protesters and law enforcement officers clashed in the streets, leading to injuries and arrests.
Jeff Roberson/AP
A crowd gathers in Ferguson on August 21, 2014. With the situation appearing to calm, Gov. Jay Nixon ordered the Missouri National Guard to begin withdrawing from the city.
A crowd gathers in Ferguson on August 21, 2014. With the situation appearing to calm, Gov. Jay Nixon ordered the Missouri National Guard to begin withdrawing from the city.
Joshua LOTT/AFP/Getty Images
Police escort a Wilson supporter to a police vehicle, away from crowds protesting Brown's death on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Police have said Brown and Wilson struggled over the officer's gun; some witnesses said Brown had his hands in the air when he was shot.
Police escort a Wilson supporter to a police vehicle, away from crowds protesting Brown's death on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. Police have said Brown and Wilson struggled over the officer's gun; some witnesses said Brown had his hands in the air when he was shot.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Lightning streaks over protesters on August 20, 2014.
Lightning streaks over protesters on August 20, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
Demonstrators protest on August 20, 2014.
Demonstrators protest on August 20, 2014.
Joshua LOTT/AFP/Getty Images
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder meets with Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol at a Ferguson restaurant on August 20, 2014. Holder came to Missouri to talk to community leaders and review the federal civil rights investigation into Brown's shooting.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder meets with Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol at a Ferguson restaurant on August 20, 2014. Holder came to Missouri to talk to community leaders and review the federal civil rights investigation into Brown's shooting.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
Protesters march through the streets of Ferguson on August 20, 2014.
Protesters march through the streets of Ferguson on August 20, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Police point out a demonstrator who has his arms raised before moving in to arrest him Tuesday, August 19, 2014.
Police point out a demonstrator who has his arms raised before moving in to arrest him Tuesday, August 19, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
People watch from inside a restaurant as protesters rally August 19, 2014.
People watch from inside a restaurant as protesters rally August 19, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Police arrest a demonstrator on August 19, 2014.
Police arrest a demonstrator on August 19, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police charge into the media work area with weapons drawn as they try to control demonstrators on August 19, 2014.
Police charge into the media work area with weapons drawn as they try to control demonstrators on August 19, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A protester speaks to a police officer on August 19, 2014.
A protester speaks to a police officer on August 19, 2014.
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
People on August 19 stand near a memorial where Brown was shot and killed, 2014.
People on August 19 stand near a memorial where Brown was shot and killed, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Protesters march on August 19, 2014.
Protesters march on August 19, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Police watch as protesters march August 19, 2014.
Police watch as protesters march August 19, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
A demonstrator is arrested on August 19, 2014.
A demonstrator is arrested on August 19, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police try to control protesters on Monday, August 18, 2014.
Police try to control protesters on Monday, August 18, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police lead a man away during a protest August 18, 2014.
Police lead a man away during a protest August 18, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
A demonstrator shouts during a protest on West Florissant Avenue, one of Ferguson's main streets, on August 18, 2014.
A demonstrator shouts during a protest on West Florissant Avenue, one of Ferguson's main streets, on August 18, 2014.
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol pulls his men back from aggressive protesters on August 18, 2014.
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol pulls his men back from aggressive protesters on August 18, 2014.
J.B. Forbes/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
Police arrest a demonstrator August 18, 2014, after peaceful protests gave way to angry confrontations with authorities.
Police arrest a demonstrator August 18, 2014, after peaceful protests gave way to angry confrontations with authorities.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Law enforcement officers stand guard during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
Law enforcement officers stand guard during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
A woman helps a man affected by tear gas August 18, 2014. The situation overnight deteriorated after a handful of protesters threw rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at police. Officers responded by firing stun grenades and tear gas canisters.
A woman helps a man affected by tear gas August 18, 2014. The situation overnight deteriorated after a handful of protesters threw rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at police. Officers responded by firing stun grenades and tear gas canisters.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Officers stand with weapons drawn during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
Officers stand with weapons drawn during a protest on West Florissant Avenue on August 18, 2014.
Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images
Musician Nelly, center, joins demonstrators in Ferguson on August 18, 2014.
Musician Nelly, center, joins demonstrators in Ferguson on August 18, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Demonstrators receive red roses as they protest August 18, 2014.
Demonstrators receive red roses as they protest August 18, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Demonstrators march on August 18, 2014.
Demonstrators march on August 18, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The Rev. Jesse Jackson shakes hands with a police officer as he visits Ferguson's demonstration area on August 18, 2014.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson shakes hands with a police officer as he visits Ferguson's demonstration area on August 18, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A protester picks up a tear gas canister on Sunday, August 17, 2014.
A protester picks up a tear gas canister on Sunday, August 17, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Police wait to advance after using tear gas to disperse protesters August 17, 2014.
Police wait to advance after using tear gas to disperse protesters August 17, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Water gets poured into a woman's eyes after a tear gas attack by police on August 17, 2014.
Water gets poured into a woman's eyes after a tear gas attack by police on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A man runs through clouds of tear gas on August 17, 2014.
A man runs through clouds of tear gas on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Protesters react as police fire tear gas at them August 17, 2014.
Protesters react as police fire tear gas at them August 17, 2014.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Police advance through a cloud of tear gas on August 17, 2014. Most of the crowd had dispersed after a curfew went into effect at midnight, St. Louis County authorities said.
Police advance through a cloud of tear gas on August 17, 2014. Most of the crowd had dispersed after a curfew went into effect at midnight, St. Louis County authorities said.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People take cover from tear gas inside a McDonald's on August 17, 2014.
People take cover from tear gas inside a McDonald's on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A large group of police officers advance toward protesters on August 17, 2014.
A large group of police officers advance toward protesters on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A man fights the effects of tear gas in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
A man fights the effects of tear gas in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, the parents of Michael Brown, attend a rally at Greater Grace Church in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, the parents of Michael Brown, attend a rally at Greater Grace Church in Ferguson on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
The Rev. Al Sharpton hugs McSpadden during the rally.
The Rev. Al Sharpton hugs McSpadden during the rally.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol speaks at the rally. He had been appointed by the governor to take control of security operations.
Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol speaks at the rally. He had been appointed by the governor to take control of security operations.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Demonstrators defy a curfew early on August 17, 2014.
Demonstrators defy a curfew early on August 17, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Police fire tear gas at demonstrators after curfew on August 17, 2014.
Police fire tear gas at demonstrators after curfew on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A law enforcement officer aims his rifle August 17,, 2014, after tear gas was fired to disperse a crowd.
A law enforcement officer aims his rifle August 17,, 2014, after tear gas was fired to disperse a crowd.
Charlie Riedel?AP
Law enforcement officers check a building on August 17, 2014.
Law enforcement officers check a building on August 17, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
People attend a protest after the midnight curfew on August 17, 2014.
People attend a protest after the midnight curfew on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A law enforcement officer watches as tear gas is fired to disperse a crowd on August 17, 2014.
A law enforcement officer watches as tear gas is fired to disperse a crowd on August 17, 2014.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Police stand guard before the midnight curfew on Saturday, August 16, 2014.
Police stand guard before the midnight curfew on Saturday, August 16, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People loot the Ferguson Market and Liquor store on August 16, 2014. Several businesses were looted as police held their positions nearby.
People loot the Ferguson Market and Liquor store on August 16, 2014. Several businesses were looted as police held their positions nearby.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Missouri State Highway Patrol officers listen to taunts from demonstrators during a protest on Friday, August 15, 2014.
Missouri State Highway Patrol officers listen to taunts from demonstrators during a protest on Friday, August 15, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest with their hands up on August 15, 2014. The "hands up" gesture has become a symbol in protests as Brown, according to eyewitnesses, was trying to surrender when he was shot multiple times.
Demonstrators protest with their hands up on August 15, 2014. The "hands up" gesture has become a symbol in protests as Brown, according to eyewitnesses, was trying to surrender when he was shot multiple times.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at police on August 15, 2014.
A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at police on August 15, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
Police confront demonstrators on August 15, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Thousands of demonstrators march down a Ferguson street with members of the St. Louis County Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday, August 14, 2014.
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Thousands of demonstrators march down a Ferguson street with members of the St. Louis County Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday, August 14, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
Demonstrators hold signs as traffic moves slowly past them on August 14, 2014.
Demonstrators hold signs as traffic moves slowly past them on August 14, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
People scramble as police fire tear gas on August 17, 2014.
People scramble as police fire tear gas on August 17, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson smiles at demonstrators on August 14, 2014. Johnson was appointed to lead security as state troopers took over after days of clashes between protesters and local police.
State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson smiles at demonstrators on August 14, 2014. Johnson was appointed to lead security as state troopers took over after days of clashes between protesters and local police.
DAVID CARSON/MCT/Landov
The Rev. Traci Blackmon uses a megaphone to talk to a large group of demonstrators on August 14, 2014.
The Rev. Traci Blackmon uses a megaphone to talk to a large group of demonstrators on August 14, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
A man picks up a flaming bottle and prepares to throw it as a line of police advance in the distance on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.
A man picks up a flaming bottle and prepares to throw it as a line of police advance in the distance on Wednesday, August 13, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
Police stand in clouds of smoke as they clash with protesters on August 13, 2014.
Police stand in clouds of smoke as they clash with protesters on August 13, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
An Al-Jazeera television crew runs for cover as police fire tear gas at its position on August 13, 2014. Video and images on social media showed police later breaking down the journalists' gear.
An Al-Jazeera television crew runs for cover as police fire tear gas at its position on August 13, 2014. Video and images on social media showed police later breaking down the journalists' gear.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A protester runs from tear gas exploding around him on August 13, 2014.
A protester runs from tear gas exploding around him on August 13, 2014.
David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/landov
Police stand guard among demonstrators on August 13, 2014
Police stand guard among demonstrators on August 13, 2014
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson fields questions during a news conference on August 13, 2014.
Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson fields questions during a news conference on August 13, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A small group of protesters block traffic in the street before police arrived on August 13, 2014.
A small group of protesters block traffic in the street before police arrived on August 13, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on August 13, 2014.
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on August 13, 2014.
Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
Police detain a man on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.
Police detain a man on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
People congregate at the Greater St. Marks Family Church in St. Louis along with the family of Michael Brown and the Rev. Al Sharpton on August 12, 2014.
People congregate at the Greater St. Marks Family Church in St. Louis along with the family of Michael Brown and the Rev. Al Sharpton on August 12, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Michael Brown Sr. stands alongside Sharpton, right, during a news conference in St. Louis on August 12, 2014.
Michael Brown Sr. stands alongside Sharpton, right, during a news conference in St. Louis on August 12, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest August 12 in Ferguson, 2014.
Demonstrators protest August 12 in Ferguson, 2014.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
A makeshift memorial sits in the middle of the street where Michael Brown was shot and killed.
A makeshift memorial sits in the middle of the street where Michael Brown was shot and killed.
Jeff Roberson/AP
A woman tries to calm an emotional protester during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Ferguson Police Department on August 11, 2014.
A woman tries to calm an emotional protester during a demonstration outside the headquarters of the Ferguson Police Department on August 11, 2014.
Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
Phaedra Parks, left, comforts Desuirea Harris, the grandmother of Michael Brown, during a news conference in Jennings, Missouri, on August 11, 2014.
Phaedra Parks, left, comforts Desuirea Harris, the grandmother of Michael Brown, during a news conference in Jennings, Missouri, on August 11, 2014.
Jeff Roberson/AP
Police officers arrest a man who refused to leave when police cleared streets in Ferguson on August 11, 2014.
Police officers arrest a man who refused to leave when police cleared streets in Ferguson on August 11, 2014.
Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
A burned-out QuikTrip gas station smolders on August 11, 2014 after protesters looted and burned the Ferguson building the night before.
A burned-out QuikTrip gas station smolders on August 11, 2014 after protesters looted and burned the Ferguson building the night before.
Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
Police officers and protesters confront each other on Saturday, August 9, the same day Michael Brown was shot and killed.
Police officers and protesters confront each other on Saturday, August 9, the same day Michael Brown was shot and killed.
David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT/LANDOV
Emotions run high in Ferguson, Missouri

Editor’s Note: Kara Dansky is the senior counsel for the ACLU’s Center for Justice and author of “