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Utahns hold peaceful protest in reaction to Ferguson decision

Posted at 9:59 PM, Nov 24, 2014
and last updated 2014-11-25 22:33:11-05

SALT LAKE CITY -- Monday night, dozens protested outside the federal building on 100 S. State Street in Salt Lake City after decision from grand jury was announced in Ferguson, Mo., fatal shooting.

It was a peaceful but passionate protest. Some showed up with their faces covered, another man came bearing arms and others chanted profanities against the police.

"I think it's pretty ridiculous," said Samaya Montoya who covered her face in a red bandana at the protest to stay anonymous.

Montoya is upset after learning the officer who shot and killed an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Mo., will not stand trial.

The grand jury decided Officer Darren Wilson, who is white, will not be indicted for the Aug. 9 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, who is black.

Robert McCulloch, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, made the announcement Monday evening.

"Nobody can really say anything unless you were actually there but I think it was an unjust killing and no one deserves to die that way," she said.

While some chose to be discreet, one man exercised his second amendment right to bear arms, openly carrying an assault rifle.

"There's protests happening across the country because everyone is sick and tired of these killer cops, murdering primarily young black and brown men and just getting away with it," said Gregory Lucero.

Lucero said locals are banding together and have organized the group, "Utahns against Police Brutality."

They're pushing for change on Capitol Hill.

"We threw around different ideas from targeting to Sim Gill, making him hold these killer cops accountable. We talked about policy change, we talked about legislative lobbying and things as simple as cop watch. Anytime that the police are out harassing people to have citizens pull out their cell phones and begin recording them to make sure people's right are not violated," Lucero said.

Lucero said they also want there to be an independent review board for officer-involved shootings. Protestors plan to continue raising their voices, saying they won't stop until there is policy reform.