A police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, is in critical condition after being assaulted during protests marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s fatal shooting. Officer Travis Brown and other officers were attempting to make arrests when they were attacked by protesters. Brown suffered a severe brain injury, and two other officers were also injured. Five individuals, including Elijah Gantt, were charged in connection with the assault.
The incident was condemned by authorities as a senseless act of rioting, with the police chief expressing frustration over the ongoing challenges faced by the department since Brown’s killing in 2014. Officials noted that the assault on Officer Brown was a new low for the community, causing distress for his family.
Officer Brown, who had joined the Ferguson Police Department after serving with the St. Louis County Police Department, was recognized for his dedication to serving the community. He remained hospitalized and unconscious as a result of the assault. The protests were the latest in a series of demonstrations calling for police reform in the wake of Brown’s death and other incidents of police violence.
Ferguson has seen significant changes since 2014, including an increase in the number of Black and female officers, the implementation of body-worn cameras, and mandatory training programs. The department has worked to address issues of implicit bias and crisis intervention, leading to a decrease in incidents involving the use of force. Officials emphasized that the department is committed to serving the community and making positive changes.
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