At least two people were shot, numerous fires were set and more than 30 people were arrested in Ferguson, Mo., early Tuesday, Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Ronald Johnson told reporters early Tuesday. At a news briefing at about 2:20 a.m. Central time, Johnson said Monday evening began peacefully with calm and orderly protests. “This was a freedom of expression we are committed to protecting,” he said.

About 9:40 p.m. more than 200 people started walking toward police officers. “They were loud but not aggressive,” he added, emphasizing that many chanted and turned around after they were heard. Police did not react, he said.

“That’s when bottles were thrown from the middle and the back of a large crowd that gathered near and within the media staging area,” he said. “These criminal acts came from a tiny minority of lawbreakers.”