When protests over the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson first began, Palestinian activists tweeted tips to protesters about how to handle tear gas and rubber bullets.
On Monday, as a high-school demonstration swelled into violent clashes that injured at least 19 Baltimore police officers and led to more than 200 arrests, the St. Louis region felt its own sinking sense of deja vu at the familiar scenes of riot gear, tear gas, and destruction. As St. Louisans watched, they also sent their support, thoughts, prayers, and tips for staying safe during a riot.
As turmoil grew in Baltimore, activists, clergy, and politicians in St. Louis were quick to share lessons learned in Ferguson, such as tips for neutralizing tear gas and pepper spray.
Brittany Packnett, executive director for Teach For America in St. Louis and a member of the Ferguson Commission, even began organizing activities for children in Baltimore after schools announced Tuesday closures.
St. Louis journalists reached out to The Baltimore Sun, which took down its paywall and made content free during the riots, to show solidarity. St. Louis Public Radio noted that the Sun was using the same software for live updates that it used during Ferguson.
As St. Louisans watched the tumult unfold in Baltimore, many had the same question, sometimes shared with care and concern and sometimes (see below) shared with side-eye and sarcasm:
What have we learned from Ferguson?
