Friend of Michael Brown who helped spark ‘hands up, don’t shoot’ chant dies after being shot in Ferguson

Dorian Johnson, the key witness to Michael Brown’s fatal shooting in 2014, was shot and killed in Ferguson, Missouri, on Sunday morning, reigniting memories of the protests that followed Brown’s death and highlighting ongoing issues of violence in the community. Johnson, 33, was shot at approximately 8:30 a.m. on September 7, 2025, on the 9600 block of Abaco Court in Ferguson, less than a mile from where Michael Brown was killed by police over a decade ago. He succumbed to his injuries, and Ferguson Police spokesperson Patricia Washington confirmed that one suspect is in custody, with an active investigation underway. Authorities emphasized that the shooting was not officer-involved, dispelling earlier rumors that had circulated. As the friend who was with Michael Brown during the 2014 incident, Johnson played a pivotal role in the aftermath by providing an account that Brown had his hands up in surrender when shot. This narrative, though contested in subsequent investigations, inspired the iconic ‘hands up, don’t shoot’ chant that became a rallying cry in nationwide demonstrations against police brutality. Johnson’s death brings a tragic full circle to a story that shook the nation and spurred calls for reform. The killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black 18-year-old, by White police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014, exposed deep racial tensions and systemic issues within the Ferguson Police Department. A Justice Department inquiry later found a pattern of discrimination against Black residents, leading to changes in police practices and community relations. Johnson’s eyewitness testimony was central to the initial outrage and the prolonged legal and social battles that followed. In the years since, Johnson remained a figure in Ferguson, speaking at memorials and advocating for justice. He filed a lawsuit against Wilson and the city, alleging illegal stop and excessive force, but it was dismissed by an appeals court in 2019. His presence kept the memory of Brown’s death alive, and his own killing now forces the community to confront the lingering impacts of that era. The investigation into Johnson’s death is ongoing, with police working to determine motives and circumstances. The proximity of the shooting to the site of Brown’s death adds a layer of symbolism, reminding residents of the unresolved pain and the need for continued vigilance against violence. Social media has been flooded with posts mourning Johnson, reflecting his significance in the broader narrative of police-community relations. Ferguson has seen some progress since 2014, including increased diversity in the police force and training on implicit bias, as noted by Police Chief Troy Doyle. However, Johnson’s death underscores that challenges persist, particularly regarding gun violence and the emotional scars from past traumas. It serves as a somber reminder of how far the community has come and how much further it needs to go. As the investigation continues, the focus will be on ensuring justice for Johnson and supporting a community grappling with this loss. His death is not just a personal tragedy but a moment that could reignite discussions on police reform, racial equity, and the prevention of such violence in the future.