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CLAYTON, Mo., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on Monday declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard ahead of an expected grand jury announcement regarding the shooting death of unarmed black teen Michael Brown. The city of Ferguson, Mo., has braced for days, anxiously awaiting a grand jury's decision on whether to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of the teenager.
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The shooting in August set off a series of demonstrations, some of them violent. Police responded with arrests and tear gas.
"Regardless of the outcomes of the federal and state criminal investigations, there is the possibility of expanded unrest," an executive order signed by Nixon read.
As part of the order, he directed the Missouri Highway Patrol to join the St. Louis County Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to operate together to "ensure public safety."
The National Guard was activated the joint law enforcement team.
"As part of our ongoing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, it is necessary to have these resources in place in advance of any announcement of the grand jury's decision," Nixon said in a statement.
Brown's family called for calm and peace from both the public and police as business owners on West Florissant Avenue, where Brown was killed, boarded up their windows.
Meanwhile, business owners in Clayton, the county seat from where the grand jury announcement will be made, said they planned a peaceful shutdown of the business district after the findings are released.
The executive order will expire after 30 days.
Anticipating protests after the grand jury's decision in the death of Michael Brown, Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri activated the National Guard on Monday.
The governor said the National Guard will play a limited role as it did during protests in August, providing security at command posts, fire stations and other locations.
"As part of our ongoing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, it is necessary to have these resources in place in advance of any announcement of the grand jury's decision," Governor Nixon said in a statement.
