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Video: Cop suspended after confrontation with Mo. protesters

Officer pointed a semi-automatic assault rifle at demonstrators, then cursed and threatened to kill one of them

Associated Press

FERGUSON, Mo. — Officials say a police officer who was part of the effort to keep peace during protests in Ferguson has been suspended for pointing a semi-automatic assault rifle at demonstrators, then cursing and threatening to kill one of them.

A protester captured the exchange on video that has been posted to YouTube and several websites.

St. Louis County police spokesman Brian Schellman says the incident involving an officer from the St. Ann Police Department happened late Tuesday. His name hasn’t been released.

Schellman says a county police sergeant took immediate action, telling the officer to lower the weapon and escorting him from the area. The officer was suspended indefinitely.

The protest was among many in Ferguson since Aug. 9, when 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer.

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