Protesters plan shutdown of Clayton, Mo., after grand jury finding

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Protesters say they plan a peaceful shutdown of the business district in Clayton, Mo., after the release of a grand jury decision in the shooting of Michael Brown.

Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, was killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. The grand jury is meeting in Clayton, the seat of St. Louis County.

At a meeting Thursday night in St. Louis, organizers said they want to hold the Clayton protest on the first business day after the grand jury makes its decision. They identified other protest hot spots, including the Ferguson police station.

Wilson has not been charged with Brown's killing. His supporters say he fired in self-defense after Brown attacked him.

The shooting in August set off a series of demonstrations that sometimes turned violent. Police responded with arrests and tear gas.

At Thursday's meeting, organizers emphasized the goal of non-violence.

"One of the reasons we're here is to have fun and build community," Michael McPhearson, co-chairman of the Don't Shoot Coalition said. "We're in a struggle that takes a long time to make things happen. In order for it to be a movement, we have to stay in it."

McPhearson said the group expects hundreds if not thousands of people to join the demonstration.