On September 15, former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley was acquitted on charges of first degree murder in the lethal shooting of Anthony Lamar Smith.

Stockley and his partner, officer Brian Bianchi, witnessed a suspected drug deal involving Smith outside of a fast food restaurant in St. Louis in December 2011. Officer Bianchi blocked two of the suspects’ cars with his police SUV. Smith then entered his car and repeatedly backed into the police SUV until he was able to pull out of his parking space.

Officer Bianchi smashed the window of Smith’s car using his firearm and testified that he saw Smith reach for a silver weapon. Stockley fired shots at Smith, beginning a car chase.

Stockley was recorded in police reports threatening Smith during the chase. Stockley and officer Bianchi crashed their police SUV into Smith’s vehicle while it was slowing down. Stockley approached Smith’s vehicle and ordered Smith to put his hands up. Smith did not comply, and was suspected of reaching for a firearm in the car. Stockley then fired five lethal shots at Smith.

Stockley walked back to the police SUV to grab first aid equipment. After returning to Smith’s car, Stockley found a silver revolver.

After investigation, the silver revolver was found to only have Stockley’s DNA, leading the prosecution to accuse Stockley of planting the gun inside Smith’s car. Police and public surveillance recordings also gave new light to the situation, refuting eye-witness reports. After all the evidence was presented, Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson made his decision to acquit Stockley, who was being held without bail.

“The court… cannot say… that the State (Smith’s attorney) has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (Stockley) did not act in self-defense,” wrote Judge Wilson.

This ruling has brought thousands of people out to protest because Stockley is white and Smith was African American. During the day on Friday, peaceful protesters marched through downtown St. Louis. However, rioting broke out at night, injuring 11 police officers and smashing the windows of multiple businesses. Mayor Lyda Krewson’s home was also vandalized.

Ed Sheeran and the band U2 both cancelled concerts scheduled this past weekend due to rioting Friday night. Also fearing repercussions from the verdict, St. Mary’s High School, Rosati-Kane High School and Bishop Dubourg High School closed.

Saturday, the protesters marched through West County Center in Des Peres, Chesterfield Mall and the outdoor vendor, Taste of St. Louis. Saturday also brought a second night of rioting on Delmar boulevard, where police showed up in riot gear and made 80 arrests after protesters began throwing bricks and other projectiles through store windows.

Sunday brought over 120 arrests after dark. There was peaceful protesting during the day, but a mob was quick to form.

“Some criminals assaulted law enforcement officers and threw chemicals and rocks at them. All of the officer’s injuries were minor or moderate. All will be returned to duty soon,” said acting Police Commissioner Larry O’Toole.

The next morning, protesters silently marched through downtown St. Louis following the violence Sunday night. Please pray for the safety of St. Louis police officers and protesters alike and for peace in our city.