Obama Calls for 'Peace, Calm' after Teen Shooting

Protests in Ferguson turn violent as police use tear gas and smoke bombs to quell the rioting

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:29pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As demonstrations in Ferguson, Missouri over the police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown entered a fifth day, President Barack Obama called for "peace and calm." While the protests during the day have been peaceful, the nights have turned violent with some protesters throwing Molotov cocktails and other objects. Police have used tear gas and smoke bombs to control the rioting, which has resulted in the destruction of two dozen patrol vehicles. Obama condemned the use of "excessive force against peaceful protests" but also said there was no excuse for violence against police.

Why it matters

The shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, by a white police officer has sparked ongoing protests and unrest in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. The situation highlights longstanding tensions between the African-American community and law enforcement, as well as broader issues of racial inequality and police brutality.

The details

Police say the officer involved in the shooting was assaulted and had to be taken to the hospital for facial injuries after the shooting. However, protesters claim Brown had his hands raised and did nothing wrong. The FBI is involved in the investigation of the shooting.

  • The protests in Ferguson have been ongoing for five days as of the time of this report.
  • The president made his statement on Thursday, August 14, 2026 from Martha's Vineyard.

The players

Barack Obama

The president of the United States at the time of this incident, who called for "peace and calm" amid the protests and unrest in Ferguson.

Michael Brown

The 18-year-old black teenager who was shot and killed by a white police officer, sparking the protests in Ferguson.

Tom Jackson

The police chief in Ferguson who stated that the officer involved in the shooting of Michael Brown had facial injuries and had to be taken to the hospital.

Brian Schellman

A St. Louis County police spokesman who described the situation as "scary" for officers on the front lines of the protests.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Put simply, we all need to hold ourselves to a high standard, particularly those of us in positions of authority.”

— Barack Obama, President of the United States

“In talking to these guys, it is scary. They hear gunshots going off, and they don't know where they're coming from.”

— Brian Schellman, St. Louis County police spokesman

“His face was swollen so he'd obviously been hit or punched or something like that.”

— Tom Jackson, Ferguson Police Chief

What’s next

The FBI is involved in the investigation of the shooting of Michael Brown, and the results of their investigation will be closely watched by the community and nation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the African-American community, as well as the need for greater accountability and reform within police departments to address issues of racial bias and the use of excessive force.