Authorities on Sunday imposed a midnight curfew for the second night a row in the tense St. Louis suburb where an unarmed black teen was shot to death last week by police, seeking to secure an elusive peace as protesters continued to gather, according to Reuters.
Police blocked off at least one street to vehicle traffic before the sun had even set, Reuters reported. The move came as scores of protesters began gathering along West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, the site of ongoing protests as well as violence and looting since 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot to death on Aug. 9.
"They want to take it night by night," said Highway Patrol spokesman Justin Wheetley said of the curfew, imposed Saturday night by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon in an effort to quell protests and looting, according to Reuters.
Earlier on Sunday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder ordered a federal autopsy of Brown's body, seeking to assure the family and community there will be a thorough investigation into a death that has sparked days of racially charged protests, Reuters reported.
Eighteen-year-old Brown, who was black, was shot by white police officer Darren Wilson, according to Reuters.
The police department in the St. Louis suburb has come under strong criticism for both the death of an unarmed man and its handling of the aftermath, Reuters reported.
The Highway Patrol captain charged with restoring order told hundreds of people gathered at a local church for a rally on Sunday that he was committed to protecting their right to protest, according to Reuters.
The mood at the rally was somber, as a choir sang gospel music at Greater Grace Church, civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton asked participants to join hands and prepare themselves for difficult days ahead as the results of three autopsies of Brown's body become public, and his funeral is held, Reuters reported.
"This is a defining moment in this country," Sharpton told the crowd. Brown's death "will change this town," he said, according to Reuters.
In St. Louis on Sunday, about 125 people attended a rally in support of officer Darren Wilson, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said, Reuters reported. Protesters held signs that read, "We love and support you Darren" and "Support our police. Pray for peace."
