FERGUSON, Mo. – The community is rallying around a Ferguson police officer after he suffered a severe brain injury during a protest on Friday night.
Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones is calling on elected officials to stand in solidarity for Officer Brown, Chief Troy Doyle and the Ferguson Police Department for a press conference on Tuesday. She’s also arranged a prayer vigil that night.
Officer Brown suffered that brain injury during a protest outside the Ferguson police department as the community marked ten years since the death of Michael Brown. Officer Travis Brown remains in critical condition in the hospital Tuesday morning.
Officer Brown has been with the Ferguson Police Department since January. He was on the frontlines during the 2014 protests as a St. Louis County police officer.
Friday night’s chaos unfolded when officers attempted to arrest protesters who were removing fencing outside the police department.
During the arrest, Officer Brown was knocked to the ground and he fell backwards, hitting his head on the pavement.
The St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office issued charges against 28-year-old Elijah Gantt of East St. Louis in connection with the brutal assault. He is currently being held on a half-million-dollar bond. Two other officers suffered minor injuries during Friday’s protest.
That news conference with Mayor Jones, Chief Doyle, and other elected officials is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon at the Community Center on Smith Avenue.
The prayer vigil will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Ferguson Police Department parking lot. The community is invited to join in prayer for Officer Brown’s recovery and for peace in the city.
