Violence breaks out after Grand Jury decides not to indict Ferguson police officer

More than three months after a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, shot and killed an unarmed black 18-year-old, a grand jury has decided not to indict the officer in the death of Michael Brown.

The prosecutor in St. Louis County says Officer Darren Wilson told the grand jury that when he saw Brown and a friend walking in the street, Brown fit the description of a robbery suspect.

He says when he confronted Brown, the 18-year-old hit him in the face and tried to grab his gun.

A section of Ferguson, Missouri, is in chaos, after the grand jury decision was announced.

Crowds began pouring onto city streets, and some broke windows and vandalized cars.

Within a few hours, several buildings were on fire, and frequent gunfire could be heard.

Here in California, a protest has broken out in Oakland. Protesters have filed out into I-580 and lit a bonfire on a highway on-ramp.

President Barack Obama says he joins with Michael Brown’s family in urging peaceful protests after a grand jury decided not to indict the Ferguson police officer.

Obama made the comments Monday moments after official word of the grand jury’s decision.

The president said first and foremost the nation is built on the rule of law. He said despite anger and intense disagreement on either side, Americans need to accept the decision that the grand jury made.

The Justice Department is also conducting an investigation into possible civil rights violations that could result in federal charges.