Curfew Lifted in Ferguson, National Guards Arrive as Violence Unabated

The nighttime curfew imposed to combat the large-scale violence protesting the police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown, was lifted on Monday by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.

Meanwhile, the Missouri National Guard soldiers arrived on Monday afternoon to establish peace and calm in the area though the police officials pointed out the limited role for the guard, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The officials did not have a clear cut idea on how long the National Guards would stay in Ferguson but said that their main purpose was to protect the police command center at a nearby mall.

President Obama also spoke with Governor Nixon to make sure that the  National Guard will be used in a limited way.  The Attorney General Eric Holder  is scheduled to visit Ferguson on Wednesday.

"I'll be watching over the next several days to assess whether in fact it's helping rather than hindering progress in Ferguson," said Obama, The New York Times reports.

Violent clashes between the protesters and the police broke out the past two nights before the curfew hours, which started from midnight and lasted till 5 A.M.

"Last night, Ferguson, Mo., experienced a very difficult and dangerous night as a result of a violent criminal element intent upon terrorizing the community. As long as there are vandals and looters and threats to the people and property of Ferguson, we must take action to protect our citizens," Governor Nixon said.

He added that the National Guards will be under the command of Col. Ron Replogle of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.