More than a week after police shot and killed an unarmed
teenager, sparking racial tension and unrest.
riders from motorcycle clubs have arrived in Ferguson, Missouri,
in an effort to protect stores against looters and join in peaceful
rallies,
Some of the bikers are reportedly from the Outcast MC, which touts
itself as America's oldest, all-black motorcycle club. It was founded in
Detroit in 1969, but has chapters across the country.
Outcast members joined bikers from another club, Dominant Breed, in the St. Louis suburb over the weekend. While their goal
is to show support and keep the peace, one rider told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the clubs have no official plan to protect the city.
"But normally when they see our presence [troublemakers] don't come around much," the biker told the newspaper.
The bikers were also spotted at a memorial site for the slain teen, Michael Brown, 18.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson acknowledged the bikers at a news conference on Saturday.
"There was a motorcycle group out here who walked up and said, 'You tell
us what time,'" Johnson said, referring to the curfew that authorities
implemented in Ferguson.
Journalists and protesters shared snapshots of the bikers, clad in signature black jackets and skull masks, on social media.
They joined students, families, churches and members of groups including Amnesty International
and even the Black Panther Party, who have joined in the rallies. Many
are protesting excessive police force and the lack of public information
related to Brown's case.
Brown was killed on Aug. 9 as he and a friend were walking home from a
convenience store. Police identified Darren Wilson, the officer who shot
Brown, six days later. Circumstances surrounding Brown's death are
still unclear.
