'Twilight Zone' in Ferguson as Protests Erupt

FERGUSON, Mo. -- Violent protests erupted in Ferguson, Missouri, Monday night after a grand jury found no probable cause to indict a white police officer in the Aug. 9 shooting death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager.

A dozen buildings were set ablaze, cars were torched, businesses were looted, and gunshots fired.

In a scene reminiscent of the "Twilight Zone," one 'season's greeting' sign hung over Ferguson's main drag, a street dominated by police and protesters.

Agitators forced police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd in front of the police station, where emotions ran high.

Shortly after the announcement, President Barack Obama urged residents to remain calm.

"We need to accept that this decision was the grand jury's to make," the president said. "I join Michael's parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully."

The grand jury reached its decision after three months of weighing evidence and conflicting witness testimony to determine what led to the shooting.

"They are the only people that have heard and examined every witness and every piece of evidence," prosecuting attorney Bob McCulloch said, adding that the jurors "poured their hearts and soul into this process."

The prosecutor's office described an altercation between the two men, with Brown's blood or DNA found on the inside of Officer Darren Wilson's car door, pant leg, and his gun.

But many observers question the prosecutor's judgment to publicly announce the grand jury's decision in the dark of night, taking an already tense situation and making it potentially even more volatile.

State and local authorities say the goal now is public safety -- to protect lives, property, and free speech.

"I am confident that together we will demonstrate the true strength and character of this region, and seize this opportunity to build a more just and prosperous future for all," Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said.

"While the 12 men and women on the St. Louis County grand jury have concluded their work, the rest of us have much more work to do in order to use the lessons we have learned these past four months to create safer, stronger, and more united communities," he continued.

Meanwhile, area churches have been preparing for the day, lining up food, counselors, and shelter in hopes of  being a beacon of light in a dark chapter from which the city and region want to turn the page.