While the SWAT teams were setting up their sniper rifles and putting on their camouflage uniforms and getting ready for a night of tear gas and rubber bullets, Missouri governor Jay Nixon was having a lovely meeting with the St. Louis 4H club.

Meeting w/ talented young people in @Missouri4h & @MissouriFFA. In their hands, the future of ag looks very bright pic.twitter.com/8AdrveNOnx

— Governor Jay Nixon (@GovJayNixon) August 13, 2014

But that’s not all. He was also doing a lot of praying.

“Like them and all of you I’ve done a lot of praying the last few days,” says Governor Nixon. “We stand together tonight reeling from what feels like an old wound that has been torn open afresh, a would that hadn’t quite healed right in the first place, and now the pain is just as searing as when the injury first occurred.”

Maybe @GovJayNixon should put off “praying” until Sunday and actually try to do something about the crisis in his state in the meantime.

— Charles Johnson (@Green_Footballs) August 14, 2014

Apparently Gov. Nixon has suddenly realized there might be a situation that needs his attention, and as a result he’s canceling his planned trip to the county fair.

Canceling all appearances at the @MoStateFair to visit North #STL County tomorrow. Statement to follow.

— Governor Jay Nixon (@GovJayNixon) August 14, 2014

STL County Police Chief Belmar: “We’ve done everything we can to demonstrate a remarkable amount of restraint.” pic.twitter.com/97AcVPPZGK

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) August 14, 2014