WARNING: Above video contains language that may offend viewers
TORONTO – Moments after a grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson in the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown’s stepdad urged Ferguson protesters to “burn this b**** down.”
Louis Head, married to Brown’s mother Lesley McSpadden, made the statement amidst a large crowd gathered outside of Ferguson police headquarters Monday night.
IN PHOTOS: Chaotic images as violence erupts in Ferguson
McSpadden was sitting atop a vehicle listening to a broadcast of the announcement. When she heard the decision, she burst into tears and began screaming before being whisked away by supporters.
The crowd erupted in anger, converging on the barricade where police in riot gear were standing. The crowd pushed down the barricade and began pelting police with objects, including a bullhorn. Officers stood their ground.
WATCH: ‘Burn this b**** down’ comment borne out of emotion, Brown family lawyer says
Addressing the media Tuesday morning, Brown family lawyer Benjamin Crump said the comments and those of Brown’s mother were borne out of emotion.
“Raw emotion, not appropriate at all, completely inappropriate,” Crump said. “God forbid your child was killed the way they killed and they get that devastating announcement…and somebody put a camera in front of your face, what would be your immediate reaction?”
READ MORE: Photos released of Darren Wilson in hospital after confrontation
“Don’t condemn them for being human,” Crump added.
There were 61 arrests in Ferguson overnight after several stores and buildings were looted and set ablaze.
–with files from The Associated Press
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