Officer Brown remains hospitalized after being knocked to the ground outside Ferguson Police Department

FERGUSON, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The Ferguson Police Department released videos Tuesday showing the events that unfolded Friday outside the police station.

Crowds gathered outside of the Ferguson Police Department Headquarters on Friday as a part of the Michael Brown and the protests that followed his death in 2014. Around midnight, the gathering grew violent, with officers being injured, property damage and several arrests.

Officer Travis Brown was hospitalized after suffering a severe head injury. At the press conference Tuesday, Police Chief Troy Doyle said Brown was still hospitalized with critical injuries. Another officer suffered an ankle injury, and another suffered abrasions.

A video released by Ferguson police Tuesday showed officers approaching a parking lot to arrest a suspect accused of damaging the gate at the police department. The suspect is seen in the video “violently” launching into Brown, who is knocked to the ground and rendered unconscious as he hit his head, according to the police department’s YouTube post.

The second video released Tuesday shows three different attempts to destroy the gates to the Ferguson Police Department. The individual holding the blowhorn is believed to be the man who attacked Officer Brown, police said.

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell announced on Tuesday an additional charge of fourth-degree assault against Elijah Gantt, 28, of East St. Louis. Gantt was previously charged with first-degree assault - serious physical injury or a special victim, resisting arrest, first-degree property damage and two counts of fourth-degree assault. Police said Gantt was one of many who pulled on the gate, causing $3,000 worth of damage. Police also said body camera footage showed officers ordering Gantt to stop and telling him he was being arrested.

Authorities said Gantt walked away from the officers and then ran with officers chasing after him. Chief Doyle described a video shown Tuesday that he said showed Officer Brown standing in Gantt’s path and Gantt running into him and knocking him over, causing him to hit his head on the ground. Two other officers then tried to arrest Gantt, but he kicked both of them, causing them to suffer bruises and scratches, authorities allege.

Tuesday, Bell also announced that charges were pending against two new defendants in relation to the events outside the police department. The defendants’ names were not released, but Bell said they were being charged with resisting arrest, property damage and assault.

A GoFundMe was set up to Officer Brown and his family. According to the fundraiser, money donated will go directly to the family to care for his children and expenses.

The GoFundMe describes Officer Brown as a “devoted father, son, brother, uncle, godfather and friend.” Brown’s family later released the following statement:

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 ed 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 , 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 set up under “ for Officer Travis Brown”.

From the depths of our hearts, we extend our sincerest thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of 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 .

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.

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