Troops leave Ferguson

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon on Thursday ordered the state National Guard to begin systematically pulling out of Ferguson. The troops were deployed on Monday to help restore order after rioting broke over the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer on August 9.

Demonstrations on Thursday night were largely peaceful, for the second evening in a row, following scenes of looting, vandalism and racially-charged clashes between police and protesters earlier in the week.

"The last two nights have been really good. I feel we're making progress," Nixon told local news broadcaster KMOX-AM. The governor said the National Guard was no longer needed, and that it was time for them to leave.

According to authorities, more than 150 people have been arrested in demonstrations that erupted after the teenager was killed almost two weeks ago. Police reported just five arrests overnight on Thursday, and six on Wednesday.

Speaking on CNN, Brown's father Michael expressed gratitude for the support, but urged protesters to go back to their lives, "go back home to your family…Hug your kids. Hold on to them tight," he said.

Investigation could take time

The subdued protests come a day after US Attorney General Eric Holder visited Ferguson, promising a thorough investigation into the shooting. He said on Thursday that the incident had opened a national conversation about the "the appropriate use of force and the need to ensure fair and equal treatment for everyone who comes into contact with the police."

The circumstances surrounding the shooting are disputed. Police allege Brown was a suspect in a robbery, but that he was stopped by officer Darren Wilson for another reason. According to the police, he then tried to grab the policeman's gun, and was shot by Wilson. Some witnesses say the teenager - who was shot six times - had his hands raised in surrender.

A grand jury hearing on Wednesday began considering evidence to determine whether to charge 28-year-old Wilson over Brown's death. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch said the process could take weeks.

McColluch's involvement in the case has also generated controversy in the community. Protesters who took to the streets on Thursday in Ferguson called for him to be replaced with a special prosecutor, saying McCulloch has a record of discriminatory handling of cases involving alleged police misconduct against blacks.

Brown's funeral is scheduled for Monday.

nm/msh (AFP, AP, Reuters)