...They also dismissed a distinction drawn by the police between “good protesters” and so-called “outside agitators” blamed for causing trouble in August. Russell, who was also arrested during the protests, said 20th century civil rights pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr, were “outside agitators”. He said: “Don’t be afraid to come from outside and help us do this work. Don’t be afraid to be an outside agitator for some true change.”

Asked during a question-and-answer session how far they were willing to go for their cause, Poe said: “Don’t come to Ferguson if you aren’t ready to die. Stay at home, as it could happen.” Yates said: “I can say this with 100% certainty: all three of us have had moments in the street where we realised we could die right there.” (...)