Mo. officials prepare for Ferguson grand jury decision

FERGUSON, Mo. — Prosecutors made preparations to announce the eventual decision by a grand jury on whether to charge a white police officer who shot dead an unarmed black teenager and some local schools said on Friday they would close next week in anticipation of unrest.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder urged police to show restraint in handling any protests that flare after the grand jury’s decision as tensions simmered in Ferguson, Missouri, over a case that has become a flashpoint for U.S. race relations.

The grand jury deciding whether to indict Darren Wilson in the Aug. 9 shooting of Michael Brown, 18, in the St. Louis suburb met behind closed doors. Three protesters staged mock lynchings outside the courthouse, calling for Wilson to be indicted.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said it was preparing for a news conference — the first time it has disclosed such plans — but added that it had no date or time for the decision announcement. Officials have said a decision is expected before the end of the month.

The nearby Jennings School District said it would close on Monday and Tuesday due to the possibility of unrest in neighboring Ferguson. The district already was scheduled to be closed the rest of the week for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Ferguson-Florrisant school district is planning to have its schools open on Monday and Tuesday.

Police in riot gear arrested three people in overnight protests that led to scuffles, police said. Police said they doused one demonstrator with pepper spay for resisting arrest.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon already has declared a state of emergency and called in National Guard troops to back up local police in anticipation of protests. Groups from across the country have said they would take to the streets again in large numbers if charges are not brought.

Holder said the Justice Department was providing new guidance to law enforcement authorities about how to maintain public safety while still safeguarding the free speech rights of protesters.

“The Justice Department encourages law enforcement officials, in every jurisdiction, to work with the communities they serve to minimize needless confrontation,” Holder said in a video address released by the Justice department.

Holder also sent a message to protesters that “the most successful and enduring movements for change are those that adhere to non-aggression and non-violence.”

Lawyers for Brown’s family say he was trying to surrender when the officer shot him. Wilson’s supporters say he shot Brown in self-defense.

Additional reporting by Julia Edwards and Emily Stephenson in Washington.