Officer in Michael Brown Murder Identified

The officer involved in the shooting death of Michael Brown has been identified as Officer Darren Wilson. Ferguson police chief Thomas Jackson released the name earlier this morning during a press confrence. Wilson is said to have been on the police force for 6 years with no prior disciplinary actions.

Jackson stated that Wilson encounterd Brown after responding to a description of a burglary suspect of a convienience store. Police have said the 18-year-old Brown, who is black, was shot after the officer encountered him and another man on the street. According to the police of the men pushed the officer into his squad car, then physically assaulted him in the vehicle and struggled with the officer over the officer's weapon. Witnesses say the officer shot Brown as he tried to run away.

The recent shooting lead to a series of protest around the U.S. along with looting and rioting in the city of Ferguson. President Obama appealed for peace stating " there was "no excuse" for violence either against the police or by officers against peaceful protesters.