Ferguson grand jury verdict sparks pain, anger in Philly

Hours of protests took place in Philadelphia after the Ferguson grand jury verdict was announced Monday night, but no violence, arrests, or destruction of property were reported.

Protesters began to gather in Philadelphia around 5 p.m. outside City Hall after reports said a grand jury had decided whether or not to charge police officer Darren Wilson with any criminal charges in the shooting death of Michael Brown, 17, in Ferguson, Missouri.

At 9 p.m., media reported that the grand jury found “no probable cause” to indict Wilson on any charges.

Protesters marched through Center City after the news was reported. The marches continued to South Street, then northward on Delaware Avenue where protesters attempted to access I-95 before being stopped by police, and later returned to City Hall.

Mayor Michael Nutter held a press conference at 11 p.m. to address the verdict, saying he was “beyond disappointed … just disgusted” by the decision, Newsworks reported.

Nutter urged protesters, “Exercise your right to protest but do so in a peaceful matter,” reports say.

Check back with Metro.us for further developments.