Michael Brown shooting: Ferguson state of emergency formally lifted

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has formally lifted the state of emergency that he had declared in Ferguson last month.

Jay Nixon had declared state of emergency on August 19, following demonstrations against the killing of black teenager Michael Brown by white policeman Darren Wilson.

Michael Brown, 18, was shot dead after being stopped for jaywalking.

Jay Nixon said people were “getting back to their normal routines” and the order was no longer needed.

“This progress is a testament to the efforts of community and faith leaders, working alongside state and local law enforcement officers, to bring peace to the streets of Ferguson and much-needed stability to its citizens,” the governor said in a statement.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has formally lifted the state of emergency that he had declared in Ferguson last month (photo Reuters)

Michael Brown was killed on August 9 after white police officer Darren Wilson stopped him and a friend for walking in the middle of the street.

Eye-witnesses have said Michael Brown raised his hands in a gesture of surrender before he was shot multiple times by Darren Wilson.

Police accounts have disputed this, saying there was a struggle between Michael Brown and Darren Wilson which led to the shooting.

Many local residents saw the crime as an example of white police brutality.

Ferguson’s police force is more than 90% white, while its population is more than 60% black.

Protestors say police officer Darren Wilson, who has been place on administrative leave, has not been adequately punished.

A St Louis County grand jury has begun hearing evidence about the killing and will decide whether or not to charge Darren Wilson with a crime.

The US Justice Department has opened its own investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown.

Last week, the Ferguson police began using body cameras to record interactions with the public.