Submitting a predictably tragic verdict, a grand jury turned in a decision exonerating officer Darren Wilson of all wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of unarmed Black teen Michael Brown. Anticipating outrage akin to what accompanied the infamous Rodney King verdict of 1992, suburban Ferguson, Missouri, has been braced for days for heavy protestor fallout. Early Twitter reactions from celebs and notable protest voices alike reflects the deep disappointment of the Black community at large:
“You were put here to protect us, but who protects us from you?” – KRS One
— Nasir Jones (@Nas) November 25, 2014
I feel really bad for the family of Mike Brown. To my brothers & sisters in Ferguson my heart is with you & I will join you soon.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 25, 2014
Like I said before: I am not shocked that the grand jury did not indict #DarrenWilson. VERY FEW cops are ever indicted in fatal shootings.
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) November 25, 2014
A tragic decision to prevent the open airing of the evidence in the killing of an unarmed black youth, shot down by a cop with a gun.
— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) November 25, 2014
“can u believe not guilty, them filthy, crackers tried to kill me…” – Ice Cube from the song “Tear This Muthafucka Up” #Ferguson
— Mutulu Olugbala (@M1deadprez) November 25, 2014
They meet our tears with tear gas. #no justice, it’s just us
— STIC of dead prez (@STICRBG) November 25, 2014
America has clearly sent a message to black people.
— DAVID BANNER (@THEREALBANNER) November 25, 2014
No value for black life. But they extrapolate our magic , sweat, our voice our fire… And leave us stripped of our right to exist
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) November 25, 2014
We must work together to stop the unnecessary loss of young men of color. Justice was not served in Ferguson.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 25, 2014
I don’t have anything “insightful” to say right now. Just pain, and anger. Something we are all allowed to feel right now.
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) November 25, 2014
I’m heartbroken over the news of no indictment in Ferguson. Let’s all pray for peace.
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 25, 2014
Can’t even begin to understand how this can happen.
— Trey Songz (@TreySongz) November 25, 2014
#RipMikeBrown My heart goes out to the Brown Family & all the aching hearts in #Ferguson #Praying for… https://t.co/McmMAcgykJ
— ASHANTI (@ashanti) November 25, 2014
Sending my prayers out to the family and friends of Mike Brown. Praying for all the people out there in Ferguson. No justice out here!!!
— Big K.R.I.T. (@BIGKRIT) November 25, 2014
It’s so sad to see, so so sad. Everyone that has lost someone that they love. My heart goes out to… https://t.co/5jYdgVAuW0
— Keyshia Cole (@KeyshiaCole) November 25, 2014
As a society how do we do better and stop things like this happening time after time!! I’m so sorry to… https://t.co/VTe0rwXeek
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 25, 2014
Watching this w/ my grandma, mom n brother. Can’t take my eyes off of it. So disappointing n sad…… https://t.co/EHUtp1XHAJ
— Big Sean (@BigSean) November 25, 2014
Didn’t we say LOVE yourself? They don’t LOVE u. The world don’t LOVE u. Worldly things don’t LOVE u. The master will serve justice.
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) November 25, 2014
Declared today : it’s perfectly legal to murder us if you’re a police officer
— Tef Poe/FootKlan (@TefPoe) November 25, 2014