Ferguson Protesters Did Not "Loot" McDonalds Sunday Night

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37. it may not be an important distinction to you

. . .but it appears the 'break in' could have been enabled by earlier vandalism.

also . . .

RT @D_Towski: Protester behind line says McDonald's employees were treating tear gas victims by pouring milk in their eyes. #Ferguson—
George Sells (@GeorgeSells) August 18, 2014

One of the things which was reported by witnesses recorded on a live feed I watched last night was that, initially, when demonstrators were dispersed, many people rushed to find refuge inside the McDonalds in question. The manager reportedly became concerned that there weren't any purchases from the crowd seeking refuge and closed the shop.

here's a tweet and photo account of the vandalism after they ejected the people seeking refuge and closed their doors:

Jon Swaine @jonswaine · 13h
McDonalds windows smashed in ferguson. People and staff inside



Jon Swaine @jonswaine · 13h
Something big landed next to McDonalds. Man picked it up and hurled through window, smashing it. Another guy smashed another window.

I don't know the law, but this may well be a case of people 'entering' (evidently from the images, after the staff had left) through the broken glass opening, and not 'breaking' anything. Small distinction, perhaps, but I'd count it (as a juror) as another mitigating factor.

That factor, and second-hand reports that McDonald's employees were helping administer the first-aid milk applied to the burning eyes of the woman pictured.


the McDonald's in question was not actually boarded up until this morning:



Pearl Gabel @PearlGabel
Finally boarding up the McDonalds, which was apparently under siege last night #Ferguson