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DNC Delegate Resigns After Arrest in Connection with Attack on Ferguson, MO Police Officer

 August 15, 2024

Two newly released graphic videos have surfaced, depicting a violent altercation between Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown and suspect Elijah Gantt during a protest marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death.

The disturbing footage shows Gantt forcefully assaulting Officer Brown, leaving him critically injured and fighting for his life, and the incident has also led to the arrest of Keith Rose, an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention (DNC), who has since stepped down from his position, as Fox News reports.

The videos, captured by CCTV and a fellow officer's bodycam, were made public during a news conference on Tuesday, showing the moment Gantt tackled Officer Brown, causing severe brain injuries.

Officer Brown, a member of the wave of Black officers hired in Ferguson following the 2014 unrest, has been left in critical condition, with his family and colleagues rallying for his recovery.

Demonstrations Lead to Serious Harm

Protests in Ferguson on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's fatal shooting began peacefully but escalated when some protesters breached a perimeter fence. Among those present was Keith Rose, a St. Louis-based alternate delegate to the DNC. As tensions rose, Gantt, one of the protesters, engaged in a physical confrontation with Officer Brown, ultimately leading to the officer being knocked over and suffering life-threatening injuries.

Officer Travis Brown, a dedicated officer with young twin daughters, was left fighting for his life after the violent encounter with Gantt. The severity of Brown's injuries, particularly the brain injury sustained during the attack, has left his family and colleagues deeply concerned about his recovery. "We are holding onto hope and trusting in the power of faith to see him through this difficult time," Brown’s family said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Police Chief Troy Doyle expressed his outrage and sadness over the incident, stating, "He wanted to be part of the change. He wanted to make an impact in our community. He’s the type of officer that we want in our community. And what happens? He gets assaulted. I had to look his mother in the eye and tell her what happened to her son. I’m never going to do that again, I promise you that."

Chief Doyle also emphasized the senselessness of the attack, describing how Gantt tackled Officer Brown "like he’s a football player." The attack has sparked a wave of support for Officer Brown, who is not only a devoted public servant but also a beloved figure within his community.

Keith Rose Steps Down Amid Arrest

In the wake of the incident, Rose, the aforementioned DNC alternate delegate from St. Louis, was arrested alongside other protesters. The Missouri Democratic Party quickly issued a statement confirming that Rose had "voluntarily withdrawn" from his role as an uncommitted delegate to the DNC. The decision comes just 10 days before the convention is set to begin, raising questions about the impact of his resignation on the upcoming event.

Despite multiple requests, the DNC did not respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding Rose's arrest or his decision to step down. The lack of response has led to further speculation about the implications of this incident for the party.

Meanwhile, Gantt faces serious legal consequences for his actions. He has been charged with assault, and an additional charge is expected as a result of the attack on Officer Brown. Gantt is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond, reflecting the gravity of the charges against him.

Community Reaction to the Violent Incident

The Ferguson community, still grappling with the legacy of the 2014 protests, has reacted with a mix of outrage and sorrow to the attack on Officer Brown. The officer's family has received an outpouring of support, with many rallying around the officer who had been a symbol of the city's efforts to rebuild trust between law enforcement and residents.

"Let’s recognize the good that has taken place in our police department. Let’s recognize the reform," said Police Chief Doyle, urging the community to continue its progress in the face of this tragedy.

Officer Brown’s colleagues and friends describe him as more than just a police officer. "Travis is more than a police officer; he is a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend. A man of strong faith, his heart is as big as his smile, and his positive energy is truly contagious," Brown's family shared in their statement. The community is now rallying for his recovery, with many hoping for a positive outcome despite the severe nature of his injuries.

Looking Ahead: The Aftermath of the Attack

The events in Ferguson have once again brought national attention to the city that became the epicenter of the Black Lives Matter movement a decade ago. The Justice Department's 2015 report on the Ferguson police, which was highly critical, continues to cast a long shadow over the city's law enforcement efforts. The attack on Officer Brown, a symbol of the department's reforms, has reopened old wounds and sparked new debates about the progress made since 2014.

As the DNC prepares for its upcoming convention, the arrest and resignation of Keith Rose have added an unexpected twist to the proceedings. The implications of his departure and the ongoing investigation into the attack on Officer Brown will likely continue to unfold in the days leading up to the convention.

The Ferguson Police Department, meanwhile, is left to contend with the fallout of this incident as it continues to strive for the reforms that many in the community have fought for over the past decade. Officer Brown’s recovery remains a top priority for his family and colleagues, who are united in their hope for his full return to health.

Conclusion

The violent attack on Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown during a protest marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death has left him in critical condition, sparking outrage and concern within the community.

The arrest of Keith Rose, a DNC alternate delegate, and his subsequent resignation have added a political dimension to the tragedy.

As the investigation continues and the DNC approaches, the city of Ferguson is once again in the national spotlight, grappling with the legacy of its past and the challenges of its present.