FBI Warns Ferguson Decision 'Will Likely' Lead to Violence

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The FBI has issued a warning to law enforcement agencies across the country to be on high alert following a grand jury's decision on whether a white Missouri police officer will face charges for killing an unarmed black teenager. The agency believes there's a risk of extreme protestors taking the streets and turning violent.

The August 9th shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson sparked weeks of violent protests in Missouri. Angry crowds gathered across California including Oakland and in Fresno.

Pastor Booker T. Lewis and a group of clergy traveled to Ferguson soon after to help bring healing through prayer to those who live here.

"I think Ferguson represents a time when people have had enough of injustice," said the pastor.

Lewis and his group, Faith in Community believe Wilson should be criminally prosecuted for Brown's death but he won't condone any violence is no charges are filed. He's currently working with Fresno police to build trust between officers and minorities in our area.

"We have had our share of questionable police shootings but we have to make sure these things don't happen anymore in our community," said Pastor Lewis.

Fresno officers say partnerships built on trust has helped prevent any rioting in Fresno.

"We don't anticipate any violence in our community but we will have resources in place to certainly respond if needed," said deputy chief Keith Foster.

The Sheriff's Office also doesn't anticipate any problems and encourages any peaceful protesting but deputies are on standby in case anyone turns violent.

"There are individuals who want the opportunity who will loot or harm law enforcement or act out in other ways that normally they may not. This gives them the opportunity to further their agenda," said Sheriff Margaret Mims.