Two graphic videos were released showing the moment a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer was violently knocked over by a suspect during a Michael Brown protest, leaving the officer in critical condition. Among those arrested was Keith Rose, a St. Louis alternate delegate to the DNC and a member of the City of St. Louis’ Civilian Oversight Board, who has since withdrawn as a delegate. The new videos showed Officer Travis Brown being hit by suspect Elijah Gantt on a sidewalk outside a police station after protesters attempted to pull down a perimeter fence. Brown suffered a severe brain injury after hitting his head in the fall.
The newly released videos, taken from CCTV and a police officer’s bodycam, show the violent encounter between Officer Brown and Gantt. Brown was unconscious and prone on his back with the suspect lying on his chest as other officers quickly arrived. Gantt, who was already charged with assault, is facing a new assault charge for allegedly kicking another officer in the head. Protesters were peaceful for the most part, but when they broke a fence and destroyed property on police grounds, an arrest team was sent out, which included Officer Brown, who is Black. Rose, the DNC delegate, is accused of damaging a metal gate outside the Ferguson Police Department during the protest and is charged with first-degree property damage.
Officer Brown, a Black officer who started with the department in January, was described as wanting to be part of the change in the community. He is part of a wave of Black officers hired into the department since 2014. Brown’s family released a statement praising first responders and asking for continued prayers. The violence that led to Brown’s injury drew anger from the community and officials, with many wondering about the protesters’ motivations given the changes in Ferguson over the past decade. In response, officials highlighted the reforms and changes within the Ferguson police department since the 2014 protests.
The death of Michael Brown in 2014 sparked massive demonstrations that helped solidify the Black Lives Matter movement. The Justice Department declined to charge the officer who shot Brown but released a critical report highlighting racial bias in the Ferguson police department and the county courts. The incident has raised questions about the ongoing challenges faced by Black officers in law enforcement and the need for continued reform and community engagement. The impact of this incident on the community and law enforcement practices in Ferguson and across the country will likely be a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.
