The unlikely timing of violence in Ferguson

The latest violence in Ferguson comes against a backdrop of growing tension during the nightly protests outside the Ferguson Police Department – which had been going on peacefully since last August.

It happened at an unlikely time – when the city was finally taking some of the steps the protestors had demanded.

Related: 2 officers shot at protest outside Ferguson police station

Protest organizers are condemning the shooting of two police officers. They’re clearly worried it will muddy the message of the Department of Justice investigation which found a pattern of abusive behavior in the police department’s treatment of African Americans.

The report said police were under pressure to make arrests because the city manager needed the court fines to balance his budget.

And Wednesday saw the resignations not only of the city manager but also of the police chief.

“The chief’s resignation is effective March 19, 2015. This was a mutual decision, both by the chief of police and the city’s administration,” announced Ferguson mayor James Knowles.

You can add to that a city judge, the city clerk and two cops who were forced out – all for sending racist e-mails.

Some of the people who heard about he resignations at a meeting of the Ferguson city council thought the council itself ought to be held responsible.

“To have the DOJ come in and find out all of this, and you’re right here and you didn’t even notice it. You represent these people,” said one citizen.

The mayor said he can understand that, and he’s committed to making things right, “I realize there are some people that want a head, or my head, or other heads, and I can understand that they’re going to say that.”

In any case, with the latest violence, demonstrators have a decision to make.

There is a long history of peaceful protest in this country but there is always the risk – not just in Ferguson but in any city where people gather to protest an emotional issue – that someone goes too far.

At this point, protest organizers are going to have to find a way to insure that the people showing up at these protests want to solve the problem, or make it worse.