Whatever the decision of the Ferguson grand jury turns out to be, the police officer at the center of shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown is negotiating with city officials to resign.
Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson maintains he didn’t do anything wrong on August 9 when he shot and killed Brown, an African American teenager, but people close to the negotiations with city officials told CNN he is in the final stages of resignation. This is regardless of whatever the final outcome from the grand jury will be.
JUST IN; STL MAYOR: "We Expect a Grand Jury Decision Very Shortly" -#Ferguson - http://t.co/R0s914A7xkpic.twitter.com/ARLGoiroMx
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 21, 2014
The grand jury is currently deliberating whether to indict him or not for the death. A decision could come at any moment.
CNN reported that Wilson told associates he would resign as a way to help ease pressure and protect his fellow officers, but he has expressed concern about leaving while the grand jury was hearing evidence out of fear it would appear he was admitting fault.
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People close to the talks added that Wilson could announce his resignation on Friday, the same day a St. Louis County grand jury decision is rumored to be revealed.
Still, one of Wilson's attorneys said there was no specific discussion regarding expectations on the jury’s decision.
"We have absolutely no idea — no more than anyone else — what may or may not happen," attorney Neil Bruntrager told The Associated Press. "The only expectation that we would have is that the grand jury would be thorough and fair."
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Wilson has been on paid administrative leave since the shooting, and has been under a lot of pressure and stress.
“Wilson has incurred significant legal, medical and relocation expenses, and a police charity has raised close to $500,000 for him,” Jeff Roorda, business manager for the St. Louis Police Officers’ Association, said to the AP.
If he is indicted, Wilson will immediately turn himself in to authorities, Bruntrager said.
As residents continue to wait on a decision, there have already been protests and arrests in the area.
Riot police arrested at least two demonstrators Thursday evening, when a dozen protestors gathered outside the police station in Ferguson waving placards and chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!” and “Killer cops have got to go!”
Now police come outside, and protesters come out to yell at them. #Fergusonpic.twitter.com/xojGonPfu0
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) November 21, 2014
Officers in helmets and shields were deployed after a commander told protesters not to block traffic. Brief scuffles broke out and at least one woman and a man were handcuffed and taken away, according to Reuters.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency and called in 400 National Guard troops to back up police. Critics have called that a heavy-handed response, saying the majority of demonstrations have been peaceful.
READ MORE:Missouri gov. declares state of emergency ahead of Ferguson verdict
Additionally, the FBI has sent approximately 100 agents to the St. Louis area, according to CBS News.
*fixed “@GlobalGrindNews: FBI sends 100 additional agents to Ferguson ahead of Grand *Dragon* Jury decision - @ABCpic.twitter.com/R1CriFVZhb”
— Thot Provoker (@ALBDamn) November 21, 2014
Activists across the United States said they would stage their own rallies at federal courthouses nationwide regardless of the grand jury's decision.