President Barack Obama called for calm Monday night , moments after a Missouri prosecutor announced there would be no indictment against the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown . His measured tone stood in stunning contrast to the images of violence on the streets of Ferguson that intensified on a split screen . As the President spoke -- warning protesters that throwing bottles and smashing car windows wo n't help -- some members of the crowds of hundreds in Ferguson were doing just that . Police responded by firing tear gas . Obama said anger over a grand jury 's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson is an `` understandable reaction . '' But he urged protesters to remain peaceful and called on law enforcement officers in the city of Ferguson to exercise `` care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur . '' `` We are a nation built on the rule of law , and so we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury 's to make , '' Obama said late Monday night . `` There are Americans who agree with it and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed , even angry . It 's an understandable reaction . But I join Michael 's parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully . '' Elsewhere in the country , angry demonstrators took to the streets peacefully in New York , Seattle , Chicago and Washington , as more than 120 vigils and gatherings were organized nationwide . Some are scheduled for Tuesday . Holder : Federal Ferguson investigation will continue . The President said the inflamed tensions over the case , both in Ferguson and elsewhere , are in part a result of decades-old strains in race relations . `` There is inevitably going to be some negative reaction , and it 'll make for good TV , '' Obama said . `` But what we want to do is to make sure that we 're also focusing on those who can offer the kind of real progress that we know is possible -- that the vast majority of people Ferguson , the St. Louis region , in Missouri and around the country are looking for , '' he said . `` I want to be partners with those folks and we need to lift up the kind of constructive dialogue that is taking place . '' Asked whether he will visit Ferguson , Obama said : `` Let 's take a look and see how things are going . '' He pointed to Attorney General Eric Holder 's visits to the area . While most protesters demonstrated peacefully , the situation on the ground worsened overnight among smaller pockets of the Ferguson area . More than a dozen buildings were set ablaze . A police car was smash , while another was engulfed in fire . Gunshots could be heard and looting took place . In nearby Dellwood , a row of cars were set afire at a car dealership , as more businesses were torched . The grand jury 's decision not to indict Wilson was sharply criticized by the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus , Rep. Marcia Fudge , who called the proceedings a `` miscarriage of justice . '' ' A thousand Fergusons across America ' `` It is a slap in the face to Americans nationwide who continue to hope and believe that justice will prevail , '' the Ohio Democrat said . `` This decision seems to underscore an unwritten rule that black lives hold no value ; that you may kill black men in this country without consequences or repercussions . This is a frightening narrative for every parent and guardian of black and brown children , and another setback for race relations in America . '' Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt , a Republican , said he joins Brown 's family in urging protesters to remain peaceful -- and said he hopes to see law enforcement officers improve their tactics after Brown 's death . `` I 've talked extensively to law enforcement officials to learn more about the tactics , resources , and procedures that our first responders utilize statewide , '' Blunt said in a statement . `` Law enforcement officials have been candid in identifying ways officers could have handled the situation in Ferguson better , and I trust those recommendations will be helpful as we continue to count on them to protect us . '' Complete coverage of what 's happening in Ferguson .
Barack Obama : Anger understandable , but protest peacefully . As Obama called for peace , protesters threw bottles , smashed car windows . Obama said dispute over case , in part , result of strained international relations .