FERGUSON, Mo. – We’re getting a new look at videos that show the moments when last Friday’s protest in Ferguson turned violent.
It’s a video that’s been played across the country: a protestor tackling Ferguson police officer Travis Brown. The impact left Brown with a life-threatening brain injury.
It happened late Friday in the parking lot of Wurm Tire & Wheel, directly across the street from the Ferguson Police Department. Their numerous surveillance cameras captured how the night played out.
One video shows protestors packing the parking lot, setting up a tent and coolers. Hours later, around 11:30 p.m., things started to get out of hand, leading-up to the moment Brown collided with 28-year-old Elijah Gantt. Gantt has been charged with multiple counts of assault.
The department also released body-camera video of the gut-wrenching collision Wednesday.
More video from the business show Brown being rushed away through the crowd on a stretcher. You can also see officers arresting Gantt in the middle of a mob of people.
We sat down with the owners of the business, Andy, and Joe Wurm, along with Joe’s wife, Leisa. They said their hearts break for Officer Brown.
“We feel for his family,” Joe Wurm said.
The Wurm’s tell FOX 2 they think Friday will serve as a turning point for Ferguson, as everyone rally’s around Officer Brown and the department. They’ve made shirts that read ‘Ferguson Forward’ to bring that point home.
“We do want people to know that Ferguson is a wonderful place,” said Leisa Wurm. “It’s a community I wish people would take a closer look at. There’s a lot of fun here, a lot of growth here, and people really care about each other,” she added.
Andy added that the police department has done a great job connecting with the community and doing what it can to keep the city safe.
“You can walk down these streets at 10 o’clock at night, and you’ll see people walking their dogs, their kids, and going in and out of the restaurants,” he said.
Andy’s brother and co-owner, Joe Wurm, said the community has supported his family’s business for years. Their business, like many others in Ferguson, have taken a hit over the past decade. But they think the city has taken a turn and is ready for a new beginning.
“It’s a very diverse community, and we get along,” Wurm said. “It’s a great community,” he added.
Thrust-into the national spotlight 10 years ago, residents feel Ferguson hasn’t been portrayed accurately. The Wurm’s agree and think it’s time that finally changes.
A GoFundMe for Brown has raised more than $65,000 as of Wednesday evening.
Officer Brown’s family released the following statement on Tuesday:
Our family deeply values the sacrifices and commitment made by first responders around the world. We are proud to be part of a community of veterans who have dedicated their lives to this noble profession. Over the years, we have supported many heroes, both locally and abroad, who have suffered in the line of duty.
On the early morning of Saturday, August 10, 2024, our beloved, Officer Travis Brown, suffered a serious physical injury while performing his tour of duty. He is currently in critical condition, surrounded by his loved ones, as he bravely fights for his life. We are holding onto hope and trusting in the power of faith to see him through this difficult time.
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. TJ is also an athlete, an adventurer, a lover of movies, and so much more. We know he is determined to continue living life to the fullest once he has recovered.
At this time, we kindly ask for your continued prayers as we focus on Travis’s healing and recovery. For those who wish to offer tangible support, we ask that donations be directed to the Ferguson Police Department, which will ensure they reach our family. Additionally, financial contributions can be made to the official GoFundMe account set up under “Support for Officer Travis Brown”.
From the depths of our hearts, we extend our sincerest thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of support we have received. The generosity of countless individuals has touched us profoundly, and we are deeply grateful. While it is impossible to personally thank everyone who has contributed, we want to acknowledge the entire first responder community-police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, and nurses-who have played a vital role in assisting Travis. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Chief Troy Doyle and the Ferguson Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Police Wives Association, BackStoppers, Need of Aid Foundation, and many others within the community for their unwavering support.
We stand for peace across the United States of America and beyond. In these challenging times, we pray for unity and for God’s mercy to rest upon us all.
