Ferguson demonstrations planned in Philadelphia, around nation

As a grand jury wraps up its investigation in the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Mo., dozens of demonstrations have been planned across the nation, including marches and vigils in the Philadelphia area.

The grand jury is considering whether to indict Darren Wilson, 28, the white Ferguson police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, 18, on Aug. 9, setting off unrest, including riots and looting, and drawing international attention.

Wilson reportedly told the grand jury he feared for his life as Brown, 6-foot-4 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, came at him. Some witnesses said Brown was trying to surrender and had his hands in the air.

The grand jury met Friday, but a prosecutor's spokesman could not be reached Saturday to say whether the panel was still deliberating. An attorney for Brown's family said that prosecutors had promised to tell him when a decision had been reached and that he had heard nothing.

Several dozen protesters marched in Ferguson on Saturday evening, praying, playing music, and chanting slogans including, "No justice, no peace" and "Mike Brown means we've got to fight back." Cars stopped and drivers honked, slowing traffic.

Brown's mother, Lesley McSpadden, spoke to protesters through a bullhorn and urged calm.

"I just want you all to be careful. Don't agitate them, and don't let them agitate you all," she said. "I don't want anybody getting hurt. We're all willing to do something, but I don't want anybody getting hurt."

President Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, civil rights leaders, and business owners - along with Brown's family - called for peace and restraint.

The civil rights organization Advancement Project said more than 70 protest actions would be conducted around the country, including occupying government space in Washington and a gathering at police headquarters in Chicago.

Philadelphia police say they are prepared for demonstrations, and activists have begun organizing local events.

A grassroots coalition, the Ferguson National Response Network, lists more than 100 locations on its Tumblr site where events are scheduled, including six added late Saturday morning.

In Philadelphia, the group has called for people to gather at City Hall immediately after the grand jury results are announced. A large gathering is scheduled for 5 p.m. on the day of an announcement. Any decision after 5 p.m. calls for demonstrators to convene immediately for a rally. The organizers ask participants to dress warmly, wear black, and bring signs.

The Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement it was ready for peaceful gatherings.

"The department anticipates demonstrations following an announcement in the grand jury decision in Ferguson. We will work to ensure that people can express their First Amendment right in a peaceful and safe manner," reads the statement released Saturday by a Philadelphia police spokeswoman.

"We will be on hand to ensure the safety of all citizens, ensure property is protected, and minimize disruption to the residents and businesses in our city."

The Ferguson organizers' site also lists two events for the day after the announcement: A march from City Hall and a prayer vigil in Mount Airy.

The march, which would begin at 3 p.m., would end with a 4 p.m. rally at Cecil B. Moore Avenue and Broad Street, the group says.

At 7 p.m., the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, at 6900 Stenton Avenue, would host a "Vigil of Prayer and Witness."

In Cherry Hill, a demonstration would be held the day after a grand jury announcement, with a 6 p.m. rally at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway.

Other events the day after the announcement include a "short march" at 8 p.m. at Seventh and Hamilton Streets in Allentown and a noon gathering at the seated Lincoln sculpture at the Essex County Courthouse in Newark, N.J.

The website also lists events in Meadville and Stroudsburg, Pa., for the day of the announcement. In Pittsburgh, demonstrations are planned for the day of the announcement and for the day after.