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Police and protesters face off in Ferguson

After giving multiple warnings, police fired smoke and tear gas into protesters in Ferguson to enforce the midnight curfew.

The police liaison initially claimed officers fired only smoke. But several reporters said tear gas was used, and pictures of canisters showed tear gas, also known as CS smoke, was indeed deployed.*

At first, police moved in and demanded protesters disperse in “a peaceful manner.” Over the loudspeakers, police said, “Failure to comply will result in arrest and/or other actions.”

Police began slowly moving forward.

Some reporters pointed out the crowd is ethnically diverse.

*Update: Added a note about the conflicting reports of tear gas and smoke.

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