Thousands Protest Nationwide After Ferguson Grand Jury Decision

Thousands Protest Nationwide After Ferguson Grand Jury Decision

WASHINGTON -- Thousands of people across the nation turned out Monday night to show solidarity with the protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, after a grand jury decided not to indict the officer who shot Michael Brown.

Crowds of people gathered in Times Square, outside the White House gates and in downtown Philadelphia. Many protesters were shouting, "Hands up, don't shoot" -- a phrase that has become linked to protests over the Aug. 9 shooting of Brown, an unarmed African-American teenager, by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

Ferguson has been on edge in recent weeks, waiting for the grand jury's decision. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon (D) issued a controversial state of emergency declaration before the announcement, in anticipation of possible conflict.

President Barack Obama spoke Monday night after St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch announced the grand jury's decision. The president urged calm and restraint from both the protesters and police officers.

Although the scene in Ferguson was chaotic Monday night -- with reports of police cars on fire, windows broken and cops using smoke to disperse crowds -- initial reports of the protests elsewhere were largely peaceful.

Are there protests in your area? Email us your photos at openreporting@huffingtonpost.com.

A look at the nation's reaction:

Boston

Silent circle of demonstrators outside City Hall. pic.twitter.com/YpmxdJ8hej

— Nestor Ramos (@NestorARamos) November 25, 2014

Chicago

This capitalism. Hundred of riot police protecting rich River North section of downtown as #chi2ferguson approaches pic.twitter.com/VOJVTmJXf1

— ⒶNTiCapITAL (@ChicagoRADicals) November 25, 2014

Denver

Las Vegas

Los Angeles

#BREAKING Protestors blocking traffic in S Los Angeles after NO indictment for Ofc. #DarrenWilson. Peaceful so far. pic.twitter.com/IQ7RzCXhUd

— Elex Michaelson (@ABC7Elex) November 25, 2014

New York City

March sitting in on the bridge. #ferguson pic.twitter.com/BMnFm7lYrE

— Conor Skelding (@conorskelding) November 25, 2014

Michael Brown protest in Union Square #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/CAMQulHe0i

— Johanna Barr (@JohannaBarr) November 25, 2014

"Hands up, don't shoot." At 35th and 7th. No sign of stopping. pic.twitter.com/NxbszblsCv

— Danielle Tcholakian (@danielleiat) November 25, 2014

Oakland, California

Philadelphia

Seattle

Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Bendery contributed reporting.

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