Ferguson witnesses doubt whether cop shooter was with demonstrators

Many St. Louis protesters are questioning the official narrative around the shooting of two police officers in Ferguson early Thursday morning.

St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar says shots were fired from roughly 125 yards away by someone presumably associated with the protesters.

"I do feel like there was unfortunate association with that gathering,” he said at a press conference. "I would have to imagine the protesters were among the shooters."

On the other hand, Belmar repeatedly acknowledged his respect for demonstrators exercising their First Amendment right peacefully — adding that culpability rests squarely on the shoulders of whoever pulled the trigger.

“The responsibility of last night’s shooting lies with whoever did that shooting, I want to be very clear about that,” he said.

Earlier in the morning, Belmar addressed the media standing outside the hospital where the officers were being treated, one for wounds to the face and the other for wounds to the upper torso.

"I don't know who did the shooting to be honest with you right now. But somehow they were embedded in that group of folks," he said.

Many people expressed doubt as to whether the shooter was affiliated with the demonstration.

“Chief Belmar just admitted all witnesses saw the muzzle flash from at least 125 yards away, but strangely insists shooter was w/ protestors,” tweeted Shaun King, columnist for the liberal blog Daily Kos.

Others took issue with Belmar’s characterization of the shooting as an ambush.

“This is really an ambush is what it is. You are basically defenseless. It is hard to guard against,” he said.

The New York Times reports that after the shooting, one Ferguson officer said, “This is what they wanted to happen,” while standing near protesters. He stuck to his opinion when a protester countered.

Longtime protester Deray McKesson fears that some have been waiting for a moment like this in order to vilify and discredit their movement. He insists that the shooter was not standing with — nor does he represent — the protesters.

“What was true yesterday is true today,” he tweeted, “we have never advocated the shooting of police as a means of justice.”

McKesson also extended his sympathies to “all victims of violence.”

Before the demonstration Wednesday, Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson became the sixth person to resign since last week's release of a Justice Department report that found widespread racial bias among the city’s officers.

Protesters had been calling for Jackson to step down ever since then-officer Darren Wilson shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9.

St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said he does not consider this incident a setback toward healing.

“I think everyone with reasonable minds want to avoid situations like this,” he said at a presser.