Nixon: 2,200 National Guardsmen on the streets of Ferguson tonight

Governor Nixon held a news conference Tuesday afternoon at UMSL with
the National Guard, state, and local law enforcement to address safety and property concerns following violent protests Monday night.

Nixon opened the conference by addressing Monday night’s reaction to the decision.

“Lawlessness and destruction terrorized this community. I am deeply saddened for the people of Ferguson who woke up to this,” said Nixon.

Nixon said the National Guard presence will be increased Tuesday night after several businesses were vandalized and burned down.

“The guards rapid response teams will be positioned so they are ready to act at a moments notice if challenges arise. What they’ve gone through is unacceptable, no one should have to live like this..no one deserves this,” Nixon said.

700 National Guardsmen were in place Monday night spread over 100 different locations in and around Ferguson.

Tuesday night, 2,200 will be in place, prepared to combat violence.

A Missouri Highway Patrol official said, “It was very disappointing to watch the hard work of law enforcement go up in flames. We will not have that happen again tonight.”

“We cannot have a repeat of what happened last night. No one should have to live like this,” said Nixon.

Governor Nixon became upset when asked about politics overrunning into the situation.

“Politics have nothing to do with the tasks at hand,” said Nixon.