Ferguson jury have decided that the police officer responsible for killing unarmed teenager Michael Brown will not face charges.

Darren Wilson, 28, shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in August this year in Ferguson, Missouri. Wilson’s charges included first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter, but the 12-person grand jury decided not to charge the officer. Specific details about the incident are unknown but the autopsy suggests that Michael Brown ‘was shot at least six times’, including two fatal shots to the head.

The family’s statement following the verdict read: ‘We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions…While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen.’

The Brown’s have additionally kickstarted a campaign for police officers on the streets to wear body cameras.

The weeks following the initial shooting saw the public react with peaceful protests outside of the Ferguson Police Headquarters, blocking traffic and causing businesses to close. Michael Brown Sr urged protester to remain peaceful: “hurting others or destroying property is not the answer”. However arrests were made and police are preparing for more unrest among the population as protests after the announcement spread to LA, Chicago, Oakland and New York:

This comes days after 12-year-old Tamir Rice was killed after being shot in the torso by a police officer for brandishing a fake gun in a park. The verdict also echoes that of Trayvon Martin, aged 17, who as shot dead by neighbouhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman in Florida, 2012. Below are some of the immediate reactions on the verdict:

Fertilzed eggs are people. Corporations are people. But black unarmed kids? they are target practice. shame #FergusonDecision — Doug McClemont (@duggworld) November 25, 2014

Police brutality has been legalized in America before gay marriage and marijuana. #FergusonDecision — Raquel Cepeda (@RaquelCepeda) November 25, 2014

The saddest part is that in a few months will be in this same position at the edges of our seats waitin on another verdict #FergusonDecision — Cortney Anna (@ontaekey_) November 25, 2014

What a great “justice” system we have. Where was the justice? #FergusonDecision — Joel C. Sati (@JoelCSati) November 25, 2014

Picture: Jamelle Bouie; Light Brigading