Missouri Governor Jay Nixon called a late-night state legislative session to discuss “critical funding” needs for the National Guard and state police after violent protests in Ferguson this week.
Nixon called upon the legislature to ensure that Guard members are paid on Dec. 15, the governor’s office said in a statement. The budget allots $4 million for the state’s National Guard emergency funding and $3.4 million for Missouri state agencies emergency response, but it was unclear how much more money is needed.
“Time is of the essence,” said Nixon. “It is vital that we act quickly so that we can fulfill our obligation to the men and women who are so bravely and capably serving their fellow citizens.”
Protests have led to clashes between protesters, police and the National Guard this week. Police arrested at least 16 people on Friday as the unrest bubbled over into the weekend, CNN reports.
Ferguson Ignites With Violence After Grand Jury Decision
Law enforcement stands in full gear by tanks in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014Barrett Emke for TIMEProtesters stand amid tear gas and smoke in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Barrett Emke for TIMERiot policemen clash with protesters in Ferguson Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Alexey Furman—EPASt. Louis County Police tactical team members open their reserve supply of tear gas to be fired as they take cover behind an armored truck on S. Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. David Carson—St Louis Post Dispatch/PolarisLaw enforcement responds to protestors in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014Barrett Emke for TIMEA woman speaks into a megaphone during protests in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014Barrett Emke for TIMEA man lies on the ground amid protests in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014Barrett Emke for TIMEPolice in riot gear tangle with a woman in front of emergency vehicles in Ferguson Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Larry W. Smith—EPAA demonstrator puts his hands in the air amid protests in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014Barrett Emke for TIMEA law enforcement officer pushes back protestors after they destroyed a police car in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Michael B. Thomas—AFP/Getty ImagesDemonstrators attempt to push over a police car in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov, 24, 2014. Xinhua/SipaCars burn at a car dealership as demonstrators protest the Grand Jury decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson over the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. on No.v 24, 2014. Larry W. Smith—EPAA car burns on the street after a grand jury returned no indictment in the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Jim Young—ReutersProtestors parade in the parking lot of a burning auto parts store in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Tannen Maury—EPAA demonstrator walks down the street after getting tear gas in her face and attempting to cleanse her eyes in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Larry W. Smith—EPAPatrick London surveys the damage at his fast food restaurant London's Wing House after it was looted during protests on Nov. 24, 2014.Barrett Emke for TIMEMichael Brown's mother, Lesley McSpadden, covers her face while standing alongside other demonstrators in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014Barrett Emke for TIMEPolice stand near a burned out police car in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Christian Gooden—St. Louis Post-Dispatch/PolarisA man stands by a burned out car in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014Barrett Emke for TIMEA Ferguson firefighter surveys rubble at a strip mall that was set on fire when rioting erupted following the grand jury announcement in the Michael Brown case on Nov. 25, 2014 in Ferguson, Mo.Scott Olson—Getty ImagesA police officer holds her gun during clashes with protesters in Ferguson, Mo. on Nov. 24, 2014. Jewel Samad—AFP/Getty Images
