In light of the recent protests marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri, the Ferguson Police Department has released body camera and surveillance footage showing a serious incident involving a protester and a police officer. The footage, unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday, captures 28-year-old Elijah Gantt from East St. Louis, Illinois, knocking down Officer Travis Brown, resulting in a life-threatening brain injury.
The events unfolded on August 9, during what started as peaceful commemorative protests for Brown, an 18-year-old Black man shot by an officer in 2014. The Ferguson police had closed off parts of the street earlier in the day to facilitate the demonstration. Officer Brown, who is unrelated to Michael Brown, was injured when the atmosphere shifted as some protesters began shaking the police station’s security gate.
In the released video, Gantt is seen leading the crowd with a bullhorn, inciting people to shake the gate. He can be seen making a running charge at Officer Brown, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement, leaving him unconscious on the sidewalk until fellow officers quickly subdued Gantt.
As reported by the Associated Press, Officer Brown is currently in critical condition. Police Chief Troy Doyle criticized Gantt’s actions, stating the importance of accountability: “If you haven’t condemned this act, then you are part of the problem.” Gantt now faces new charges including assault and resisting arrest.
The incident has stirred discussions about the changes in Ferguson since the original protests from 2014 sparked by Michael Brown’s death. Following that tragedy, the Ferguson Police Department implemented several reforms such as mandatory body cameras, enhanced anti-bias training, and a more diverse police force.
At the time of the incident, Officer Brown was just starting his assignment with the Ferguson Police Department, having joined the St. Louis County Police in 2012.
Despite this troubling event, Mayor Ella Jones reaffirmed the city’s commitment to progress: “Ferguson has made significant strides, and this one act is not going to stop us.” A prayer vigil for Officer Brown was organized for Tuesday evening outside the police department.
Michael Brown’s death continues to resonate not just within the Ferguson community but across the nation, especially following the 2020 death of George Floyd, which re-energized discussions around police brutality and the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement.