DNC delegate resigns after involvement in critical injury of Ferguson police officer

FERGUSON, MO - Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown is reportedly still in critical condition with a severe brain injury after he was violently assaulted by a suspect during a racially driven protest-turned-riot on Friday, ten years after the death of Michael Brown in an officer-involved shooting.

The protest last week which turned violent took place ten days prior to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, IL. One of the suspects taken into custody was Keith Rose, an alternate delegate to the DNC from St. Louis and a member of the St. Louis’ Civilian Oversight Board as well, according to Fox 2 News. The outlet reported that Rose has since withdrawn from the DNC.

The Missouri Democratic Party confirmed his resignation Wednesday in a statement saying, "Keith Rose has decided to voluntarily withdraw as an uncommitted alternate delegate to the DNC."

Video footage from several angles has shown that Brown was assaulted by Elijah Gantt, 28, outside of a police station where he and other rioters were attempting to rip down a perimeter fence protecting the building. In the video from surveillance footage and another officer's bodyworn camera, Gantt reportedly took a running start and shoved Brown who struck the ground violently injuring his head. He is later seen prone on his back with the suspect lying on top of him as several other officers engage him.

Police Chief Troy Doyle told reporters, "I think it’s a clear indication that my officer was charged and was hit violently by this individual. If you look at the video, the officer is standing up, waiting to catch this guy. This guy tackled my guy like he’s a football player."

The graphic footage showing the attack on Brown was shared to X by KMOV Reporter Caroline Hecker who wrote, "Video released by Ferguson Police shows the moment Officer Travis Brown is charged by suspect Elijah Gantt, police say, slamming his head into the pavement as he falls. He remains in critical condition."
 

New surveillance video released by Ferguson Police shows the moment Officer Travis Brown is charged by suspect Elijah Gantt, police say, slamming his head into the pavement as he falls. He remains in critical condition.
Complete coverage from @KMOV here: https://t.co/iAfwNWcmiE pic.twitter.com/SuLfc8fsYJ

— Caroline Hecker (@carolinehecker) August 14, 2024

According to KSDK, Doyle was present as the community packed the Ferguson Police Department's parking lot in a heartfelt prayer vigil for Brown. "Our officer is still in bad shape," Doyle said. He told the gathered vigil, "He's that model officer. He's that officer that a community would want."

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones addressed the public her voice raised to a fervent pitch, "It's good to see us all coming together. Ferguson is no longer ground zero. This is the ground of hope."
 

"This really just needs to be the time that we all come together," Doyle added. "Mixed races, old, young. I mean look at this crowd. It's really heartwarming. This is what community looks like."

Pasto Jonathan Thomas told the gathered crowd, "God we ask for a miracle of healing for Officer Travis Brown. We ask for a turnaround," the outlet wrote.

 

The Ferguson Police Department and Travis Brown’s family are deeply overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers and support. Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 🙏 #PrayForTravis #FergusonStrong #TravisBrown pic.twitter.com/1ybvKFP7H4

— Chief Troy Doyle (@Tmann69) August 13, 2024

In a post to X after the event, the Chief thanked the citizens of Ferguson writing, "The Ferguson Police Department and Travis Brown’s family are deeply overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers and support. Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

The Associated Press reported early Thursday that though he suffered a severe brain injury Brown is showing, "small but significant signs of progress." As of Thursday morning, more than $78,000 had been donated via GoFundMe to support his family and handle expenses, as of this report it has increased to $117,152. 

In a statement released on the site the organizer Christine Bailey wrote, "In the past few days, we've witnessed a few small but significant signs of progress—three coughs, and slight movements in his leg and hand. These moments, though brief, filled us with hope and joy." She added, "Today, the doctors checked TJ’s brain activity, and the results were encouraging. While we’ve been told that the road to recovery will be long and challenging, we remain hopeful."