A Philadelphia organization plans to demonstrate if a grand jury decides there is not enough evidence to indict a St. Louis-area police officer who fatally shot an unarmed teen in August. And officials with the Philadelphia Police Department said they are ready for any local rallies.
"The department anticipates demonstrations following an announcement in the grand jury decision in Ferguson," a spokeswoman for Philly Police said. "We will be on hand to ensure the safety of all citizens, ensure property is protected and minimize disruption to the residence and businesses in our city."
While the grand jury decision has yet to be made, the Philadelphia International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement has already taken steps to rally if Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri on Aug. 9, is not indicted.
If the demonstration happens, it would begin at Philadelphia's City Hall and head north along Broad Street, ending when the group reaches Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
"I think that it's everyone's right to have a peaceful protest if they like," said Emily Opperman, a Temple University senior.
The organization will not march if the grand jury indicts Wilson, who is currently on paid leave from the force.
The decision is expected to come down in the next few days and potential charges range from first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter.
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Ahead of the grand jury decision, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a sate of emergency and activated the National Guard. President Obama urged calm, telling ABC News citizens have the right "to protest actions that they think are unjust, but using any event as an excuse for violence is contrary to rule of law and contrary to who we are."
Philadelphia Police reiterated Obama's words.
"We will work to ensure that people can express their 1st Amendment right in a peaceful and safe manner."
